Although most people think of cancer primarily affecting the lungs, breast, or colon, it can affect any part of the body. That is why oral cancer screening in Markham is so essential. During regular checkups, oral cancer is often caught in its earliest stages, making treatment much more effective.

Here are the facts about oral cancer and why screenings are crucial for preserving your health.

Warning signs

Most people are unaware of the warning signs of oral cancer. It is essential to know them and visit your dentist immediately if you have observed or experienced the following:

• A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
• White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheek
• Swelling or lumps in the mouth or neck area
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Bleeding in your mouth

Why should you not miss your oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer is on the rise, especially in young adults and regular screenings are essential for early detection. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss your next oral cancer screening.

1. Early detection of oral cancer can help prevent the spread of the disease.
2. A positive result and a more successful treatment are possible with an early oral cancer diagnosis.
3. The regular screening of your mouth for oral cancer can also identify other potential problems, such as infections.
4. Routine screenings can help you reduce your risk of developing this disease.
5. Since you won’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive treatments to cure oral cancer, you will save money.

The Diagnosis

Your dentist is the best person to help you diagnose oral cancer. You will go through several tests, some of which will be non-invasive, and some involve x-rays. 

• Painless test

The dentist will perform a visual screening. They will check if your mouth has any lumps, bumps, or growths during this step. Moreover, they will also look for any abnormalities in the lining of your jaws. 

• Swab test

After visually screening your mouth, your dentist will be able to perform a swab test which will test for any abnormal cells in your mouth. In addition, they may conduct a throat examination.  If they are concerned about an area in your mouth, they will get a sample tissue that an oncologist will examine. 

Treatments

When your dentist diagnoses oral cancer, there are many different treatments available. Surgical treatment options include removing or reducing the growth. Other treatment options are medications. The treatment of oral cancer depends on the growth’s size, type, and location. 

1. Surgery

It removes or reduces a mass or growth. In most cases, the procedure is under local anesthesia. Depending on the size of the cancer, the doctor may use a laser or scalpel to perform oral cancer removal.

2. Medication

Several medications are available to treat oral cancer. They can prevent cancer from growing or reduce the growth size. Some medicines can also reduce or prevent the side effects of chemotherapy.

Takeaway

Oral cancer is a severe disease that can be deadly if not caught early. To improve your oral health and protect yourself, consult your Markham dentist if you haven’t had a screening in a while.