You have so many appointments and lots on your mind. The thought of adding one more item to the list might seem overwhelming, but it is well worth it if that one item is oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screening is one of the most important things you can do. It can actually save your life.
Early Detection Is Critical
If you ever get cancer, you want the odds to be in your favor. That is why you need to undergo oral cancer screening. Having regular screenings will help your dentist catch early signs. That, in turn, will improve your prognosis. You are much more likely to respond to treatment if you catch the disease early.
Screening Is Simple
You still might think, “I don’t have time for oral cancer screening,” but that isn’t the case. You can add a screening to your regular dental appointment. Just let the dentist know that you would like to be screened for oral cancer, and then he or she will look for issues that indicate oral cancer. Your dentist will look for a variety of abnormalities. If an abnormality is detected, your dentist will take a sample and submit it to the lab. If it comes back positive, your dentist will help you find the right specialist for your needs.
Do You Need to Make an Appointment for a Screening Today?
In most cases, you can wait until your next appointment for your screening, as long as you visit the dentist on a regular basis. However, if you have any symptoms, you should call your dentist today to set up an appointment. Keep in mind that if you have a symptom, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer, but you do need to be checked out by a professional. Here are some symptoms to report:
- Red and white patches are common symptoms.
- Look for spots or lumps on the soft tissue in your mouth – cheeks, gum, tongue, roof – that never seem to heal.
- You should also pay attention to any numbness or pain you feel in your mouth.
Oral cancer is serious, but you can put the odds in your favor by detecting it early. Schedule your appointment so you can get an oral cancer screening. It might save your life.
