Oral Cancer Screening Oral cancer screenings are simple, quick tests that have the potential to save thousands of lives every year. Riverstone Dental Group administers these screenings to all of our patients when they come in for their regular dental cleanings.Why We Recommend Oral Cancer ScreeningsWe recommend oral cancer screenings because even though oral cancer is one of the less common cancers, it can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Every year, approximately ten thousand Americans will die of oral cancer. Once diagnosed, barely half will still be alive five years later. Many of the survivors will be left with permanent reminders that can complicate once simple tasks, such as biting, chewing, and talking. The primary reason for this heightened risk has nothing to do with our ability to diagnose oral cancer. Screenings are very successful at catching oral cancer, which is why we recommend them so strongly. Instead, the problem is that these screenings are often not performed until it is too late, and the cancer has already had a chance to spread beyond what can be safely and successfully treated. Getting Your ScreeningEveryone should get screened, but some people are at a heightened risk for oral cancer, and so should consider scheduling more regular screenings. Men, especially those over the age of 50, have a much higher chance of being diagnosed with oral cancer. Frequently drinking alcohol, smoking, and chewing tobacco all have a high correlation with oral cancer. Even so, just because you do not drink or smoke does not mean your chance of being diagnosed is negligible. More than one in four Americans with oral cancer drink rarely and never smoke at all. The screening itself does not take much time, and we are always happy to perform one, regardless of whether you are seeing us for your regular check-up or just coming in for a whitening treatment. We will closely look in and around your mouth, feeling for any aberrations. We may decide to perform some scans to get a better look. All told, a screening takes just five minutes, but the benefits can last a lifetime. After Your ScreeningWe understand that after any cancer screening, there can be a lot of anxiety while waiting for the results. This anxiety can be compounded if more appointments or procedures are called for. So we want one thing to be very clear: the one and only thing that suggests oral cancer is a positive diagnosis. We take oral cancer extremely seriously, so we take the time to closely investigate everything to ensure that we are never taking any chances with your health. This means we may request you come in for follow-up appointments or ask to perform more tests. This could mean countless things, including other pathologies, and is not a sign in and of itself that you have oral cancer. When Was Your Last Oral Cancer Screening?If you are struggling to remember when you had your last oral cancer screening, then the time to get your next screening is now. To make your appointment at Riverstone Dental Group, call (925) 414-9250 now. Doing so can make all the difference in the world. |
 |
