Oral Cancer Exam Near You
Health is the most precious investment anyone can make. Your health greatly determines your quality of life. This is the reason why we should implement healthy lifestyle habits as best we can. We should do things that build upon our health and undergo testing that shows us the status of our health. A good one to start with is an oral cancer exam in Orlando near Kissimmee, FL, which can be done annually during a dental check-up. This test is a vital tool for early diagnosis and treatment.
With the increasing numbers of those who have been diagnosed with cancer each year, the emphasis on early detection and treatment has been intensified. The early stages of cancer are often asymptomatic, and this is what makes regular visits to your dentist and conducting oral exams a vital preventative measure.
There are various histologic types of oral cancers. They may come as adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and teratoma. Carcinoma, being the most common and malignant among others, usually starts at the lips and mouth tissues. Other parts where these can develop are the face, salivary glands, tongue, gums, and oropharyngeal region.
Reasons for Oral Cancer Examinations
Lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to the major factors of cancer development. On the surface, the signs and symptoms may not be as obvious, but a dentist in Orlando, FL can see abnormalities in the mouth, gums, tongue, and surrounding areas. They usually check the maxillofacial and oral regions for changes and abnormalities.
Points for further assessment are red patches and sores on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, slow healing sores that bleed, or white and pink patches that fail to heal. The occurrence of Leukoplakia or the white or gray hardened and slightly raised lesion in the mouth can be cancerous especially if not treated right away. Also, the presence of lumps, soreness, and thickening tissues can be indicative of serious oral issues.
Oral Cancer Exams, Diagnosis, and Treatment
This procedure is not painful. It starts with a visual examination where the dentist in Orlando, FL looks for abnormalities in the glands, neck, and face. Then, lasers are utilized to highlight pathologic changes below the surfaces of abnormal signs. Once these are proven to be present, a diagnostic impression and treatment plan will be made by your dentist.
If the initial plan does not work, a biopsy may be ordered to determine the specific stage and grade of the lesion. When the basement membrane of the epithelium has been broken, oral cancer is suspected. This can easily spread to the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is good to have treatment methods available at the earliest stages to prevent further development. This can be made possible by following the recommendation of having a comprehensive oral cancer screening once a year.
How You Prepare for an Oral Cancer Screening and What to Expect
The good thing about this is that you do not need to have any special preparation. It is done along with a routine dental appointment. During this exam, the dentist in Kissimmee, FL takes a look at the inside of your mouth. This is where he or she looks for red or white patches or sores. With a gloved hand, they will inspect and palpate the tissues in your mouth for lumps and other abnormalities.
Additional Tests for Oral Cancer Screening in Orlando, FL
This test is a major exam that can validate your health or indicate there are underlying oral issues that need immediate treatment. This can give way to a better chance of treating the condition at its early stages. Other tests can be done to screen for oral cancer. It may involve the process of rinsing the mouth with a special blue dye before an exam. Should there be any abnormal cells, they are expected to absorb the dye and appear blue upon being checked. On the other hand, your dentist can shine a light during the exam. This is made to make healthy tissues appear dark and abnormal tissues appear white.
Based on the results of this procedure, your dentist in Kissimmee, FL will refer you to an oral cancer specialist to seek treatment. Always keep a regular oral cancer exam scheduled to keep yourself well in check.
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