Oral Cancer Screening in Birmingham, MI
Stay on Top of Your Oral Health
Oral cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it difficult to treat and resulting in a high mortality rate. However, if detected early, the survival rate for oral cancer is much higher. This is why regular oral cancer screenings are so crucial. At Saad Oral Healthy & Beauty, Dr. Ali Saad is one of the best general dentists in Birmingham, MI, for preventive dentistry checkups. Learn why we’re one of the best dental offices in Berkley, Beverly Hills, and Pontiac.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, and throat to detect any signs of cancer or precancerous lesions. A dentist or a doctor usually conducts the screening during a routine dental or medical check-up.
What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- A sore or lump in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Persistent mouth pain
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
If you experience any of these symptoms, call our Birmingham, MI, office at 248-646-3515 to schedule an oral cancer screening.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
If you have any of the following risk factors, consult with Dr. Saad about getting an oral cancer screening:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Drinking excessive alcohol can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Age: Oral cancer is more common in people over 45.
- Gender: Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women.
- Family History: A family history of cancer can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist in Birmingham will look for abnormalities in your mouth, lips, and throat. He’ll examine your mouth and throat for any lumps, bumps, or other signs of cancer.
Dr. Saad may also feel the lymph nodes in your neck to see if they are swollen, which could indicate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. If your dentist sees any suspicious areas, they may take a biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of tissue to be examined under a microscope.
What Happens if Oral Cancer is Detected?
If oral cancer is detected, the next step is to determine the extent of the cancer and develop a treatment plan. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the more successful the treatment is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oral cancer can occur due to various factors. The primary cause of oral cancer is the development of abnormal cells in the mouth, lips, or throat. However, several factors can contribute to the development of oral cancer, including:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Sun exposure
- Family history
The frequency of oral cancer screenings depends on your risk factors. If you have a low risk of developing oral cancer, you may only need a screening every three years. However, if you have a high risk of developing oral cancer, you may need to be screened more frequently.
You should start screening for oral cancer as soon as possible. Most patients should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year. However, if you have any risk factors, you may need to be screened more frequently. If you notice a sore or lump in the mouth that doesn’t heal, persistent mouth pain, or difficulty swallowing, see your dentist or doctor for an oral cancer screening immediately.
Oral cancer can appear at various sites in the mouth, including the tongue, lips, gums, and lining of the mouth. However, the most common location for oral cancer is the tongue. If you notice any irregularities in your oral health, it’s best to visit your dentist right away.
Maintain Good Oral Health With Routine Oral Pathologies
Good oral health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle. Oral cancer screening is a vital part of maintaining good oral health. Regular screenings can help detect oral cancer early, increasing the chances of successful treatment. If you have any risk factors for oral cancer talk to Dr. Saad about scheduling a screening. Call our Birmingham, MI, office today at 248-646-3515 to book an appointment.
