Oral Cancer Screenings Fort Collins, CO.
Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx, is a serious health concern that often goes unnoticed until it’s in the advanced stages. Early detection through regular oral cancer screenings, however, greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Ray Dental in Fort Collins, CO, is committed to providing comprehensive dental care, which includes conducting regular oral cancer screenings. Our experienced dentists are trained to identify early signs of oral cancer and recommend appropriate medical care if necessary.
Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?
Oral cancer screening is a crucial preventive measure that helps detect cancerous and precancerous conditions of the oral cavity and oropharynx at an early stage. The survival rate is significantly higher when oral cancer is identified early, making these screenings an essential part of your dental checkups.
Risk factors such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking can increase your susceptibility to oral cancer. Moreover, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to a subtype of oropharyngeal cancer, further emphasizing the importance of regular screenings.
Oral cancer screening is also important because oral cancers often do not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Hence, these screenings provide a vital opportunity for early detection and immediate initiation of treatment if abnormalities are found.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive process conducted by your dentist during your regular dental checkup. The dentist first examines the oral cavity, including the gums, floor of your mouth, palate, tonsils, and oropharynx, for any abnormalities such as white patches (leukoplakia), sores, or lumps.
In some cases, your dentist may use a piece of cotton, a brush biopsy, or even a special dye, such as toluidine blue dye, to aid in the identification of abnormal areas. The dye is absorbed by abnormal tissue, turning it blue, which is easier to see than normal tissue.
If an abnormal lesion is found, your dentist might perform an exfoliative cytology test, where cells are collected from the abnormal area using a brush or a piece of cotton. These cells are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to check for cancerous changes.
The Top Signs of Oral Cancer
The following are some of the top signs of oral cancer:
- Sores, swelling, lumps, or thick patches in or around your mouth
- White or red lesions in your mouth or lips
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
- Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing or chewing
The Benefits of an Oral Cancer Screening at Ray Dental
A few of the top benefits of oral cancer screening include:
Early Detection and Treatment
Regular screenings can help detect oral cancer in its early stages, leading to early treatment, which significantly improves the survival rate.
Comprehensive Screening
Our dentists perform a comprehensive examination of your oral cavity and oropharynx, making sure no potential signs of cancer are overlooked.
Expert Care
At Ray Dental, you receive care from highly-trained professionals who keep abreast of the latest in oral cancer detection techniques.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your oral health is being monitored by experts can provide peace of mind and reassurance. This can be crucial for your mental health.
How To Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer
Reducing your risk of oral cancer involves adopting healthier lifestyle choices. These include quitting tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption, as both are known risk factors for oral cancer.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular dental checkups, can help prevent oral diseases and conditions that may increase the risk of oral cancer.
Finally, protect yourself from HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause oropharyngeal cancer, by getting vaccinated. HPV vaccines are safe and effective and are recommended for both boys and girls.
Get Your Oral Cancer Screening at Ray Dental in Fort Collins, CO
Join the millions of Americans taking proactive steps to protect their oral health. Schedule your oral cancer screening at Ray Dental today. Early detection saves lives; don’t wait until it’s too late. Your health is our priority.