There are some cancers for which the symptoms are more quiet and insidious. That they are discovered at a later stage is terribly sad, but not surprising. Oral cancer is not that kind of cancer. With regular oral cancer screenings and awareness of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, this disease is highly treatable and often curable. For this reason, the dentists and their team at Vero Implant and Esthetic Dentistry in Vero Beach, FL, perform oral cancer screenings at each dental checkup.
The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that this year some 45,750 adults in America will be told that they have oral or pharyngeal cancer. Unfortunately, over 8,650 Americans will die as a result of this disease. For those diagnosed with one of these cancers, the five year survival rate is only a little bit higher than 50 percent. Doctors, dentists and researchers know that these grim numbers could be dramatically improved with early diagnosis.
Your oral cancer screenings dentist at Vero Implant and Esthetic Dentistry makes a point of performing a screening at your biannual dental exams and cleanings. With this regularity, we can more readily notice changes in your oral condition. An oral cancer screening includes visually examining all areas of your mouth and lips for any irregular tissue lesions or areas that are a different color. We also gently feel the jaw, neck and cheeks to find lumps or areas of unusual texture. In addition, we look under your tongue and along the sides; oral cancers most often appear here.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
In between your regular dental checkups at Vero Implant and Esthetic Dentistry, it’s important for you to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms that may be indicative of oral cancer. After all, the earlier a diagnosis happens, the better the chances for effective treatment and survival.
Common signs and symptoms of oral or pharyngeal cancer include:
- A sore anywhere in your mouth that bleeds and never seems to heal
- A lump or thickened spot of tissue above or below the surface
- A smooth or rough red or white patch inside your mouth
- A loose tooth
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Pain in your tongue
- A stiff or painful jaw
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- The feeling that something is lodged in your throat
- A persistent sore throat
Call Our Office Today
If you spot any of the signs listed above, or if it’s time for you to have a dental checkup with an oral cancer screening, then call Vero Implant and Esthetic Dentistry. Our beautiful Vero Beach, FL, office accepts patients from surrounding areas including South Beach, Florida Ridge, Gifford, Indian River Shores, and Sebastian.