As with any type of cancer, regular screenings can help in the early identification of oral cancer. Ideally, you should get screened for cancer twice every year during your biannual dental exams and cleanings. However, depending on unique circumstances, a dentist may require a patient to undergo more frequent screenings. For instance, our dentist can ask you to come in more often if you’ve recently battled oral cancer.
Regardless of the frequency, the underlying objective is to catch the disease while it’s in its early stages to allow for successful treatment. When found in good time, oral cancer is treatable through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and even surgery, or a combination of any of these.
Dental Care Shawnee is your trusted dental practice for all matters related to oral cancer screenings in Shawnee, KS. Our experienced dentists comprehensively screen our patients for oral cancer using top-notch dental technology.
Cancer is caused by an abnormal mutation of cells in the body. Scientists are yet to pinpoint the precise factors or events that trigger this sort of mutation. However, there are notable factors that increase your susceptibility to cancer. For oral cancer, risk factors include heavy smoking or tobacco use, sun exposure, human papillomavirus (HPV), genetic predisposition, compromised immune system, and heavy alcohol intake, among others.
Signs of oral cancer include:
During your appointment, our dentist in Shawnee, KS will carefully examine you to check for these signs and more. If you’re showing a number of these symptoms, our dentist will conduct or order a biopsy. Only through a biopsy can one be definitively diagnosed with oral cancer.
You don’t need a lot of preparation for your oral cancer screenings in Shawnee, KS. Before your appointment, ensure you:
Contact Dental Care Shawnee today if you’re looking for a dentist in Shawnee, KS who offers comprehensive and compassionate oral cancer screenings near you.