Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog
Cosmetic Dentistry Directory
Friday, June 10, 2011
Oral Cancer Screenings: An Important Part of Regular Dental Care
Every hour, oral cancer kills one American – and yet most people remain entirely unaware of the threat it poses. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 36,500 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010. If diagnosed too late, the survival rate for oral cancer is around 20%. When detected early, however, oral cancer is one of the most treatable cancers of its kind. Patients who are successfully diagnosed with oral cancer in its early stages have an 80%–90% survival rate.
Because of this, it is important to make oral cancer screening a regular part of your dental appointments. A new dental technology called ViziLite® Plus has been developed to identify and carefully monitor any abnormalities that are present in your mouth. It is the most effective oral cancer screening method to date.
One of the reasons it is so important to be screen for oral cancer is because symptoms do not always show themselves until the cancer has already reached an advanced stage. Many times, cancerous sores or lumps in your mouth will start out painless. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should be screened for oral cancer as soon as possible:
- Difficulty and pain when swallowing
- Problems with your tongue and speech
- An unusual taste in your mouth
- Sores, lumps, or ulcers in your mouth
- Problems chewing
This simple screening has saved thousands of lives. If you have more questions about oral cancer, or if you would like to schedule an oral cancer screening, contact an experienced dentist your area today using the Cosmetic Dentistry Directory.
posted by Anonymous at 8:00 AM
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