Oral Cancer Screening
Jacksonville, FL
 According to the American Cancer Society, more than 53000 Americans will get oral cancer in 2020. You can come see us here at Atlantic Dentistry for an oral cancer screening. Early detection of oral cancer gives you the best chances of overcoming its effects and having a long-term positive prognosis. The visibly affected parts are usually lips, teeth, gums, upper throat, and the part of the mouth below the tongue. At the onset of mouth cancer, the victim feels no pain. It starts as a white patch, and then it thickens, reddens, turning into an ulcer. Oral cancer is typically easily curable, especially when detected in the early stages. Our dental specialists have the necessary experience and skills to detect oral cancer and also recommend the appropriate treatment.
Who’s At Highest Risk for Oral Cancer?
Researchers have not conducted exhaustive research on all factors behind cancer. It could be that everyone walking the planet has a probability of coming down with it. Mouth cancer can be handed down via genetics, which makes the victims helpless because no one ever chooses their family. But certain habits increase the likelihood of getting oral cancer.
Smoking
Smokers are six times more likely to develop mouth cancer than non-smokers. Whether you indulge in cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, the risk is still there.
Alcoholism
Alcohol is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. But there’s a difference between drinking alcohol and abusing it. If you’re an alcoholic, meaning that you cannot function properly without alcohol, you’re at risk of oral cancer.
Weak Immune System
People with damaged immune systems are also at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Some of the factors behind the weak immune system include severe preexisting health conditions, poor diet, and lifestyle habits like substance dependence.
Oral Cancer Treatment
The treatment for oral cancer is dependent upon several factors: the stage of cancer development, where the patches are located in the mouth, your health condition, and more. To fight the cancer, it could require just one method of treatment or a combination of different treatments. Some of these treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Is Oral Cancer Aggressive?
If oral cancer escapes detection at an early stage, it usually becomes aggressive. It often metastasizes to the lymph nodes of the neck, at which point it becomes obvious to nearly everyone with it, and much harder to fight. When you visit us for an oral cancer screening, our dental health specialists handle you with professionalism, but most importantly, their guidance will help, regardless of the screening results.
How Often Should I Be Screened for Oral Cancer?
People in advanced age groups ought to undergo screenings more frequently than the youth. It’s recommended that people of ages 40 and above to be screened at least once a year, while people of ages 20 and above be screened every two years. The fact that early detection of oral cancer makes the condition easier to fight off cannot be overstated. Getting an oral cancer screening is a great step toward having a clean bill of health. Visit us at Atlantic Dentistry for a safe and effective screening. Our dental specialists handle patients with unmatched professionalism. You can contact us at 904 717-0335 to set up your appointment.
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