“Cancer” can be a scary word. It’s not one anyone wants to hear, but if you are diagnosed with cancer, you want to catch the problem early. An early diagnosis of oral cancer leads to a positive outlook for most patients. How can you be sure to catch something like oral cancer in its early stages? For one, be sure to listen to your body. If you start experiencing something abnormal, take note of it and bring it up with your physician. Second, be sure to attend biannual appointments with your dentist for cleanings and examinations. This is how you can catch and treat oral cancer early.
Certain Signs May Indicate the Presence of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is often characterized by a growth occurring within your mouth, or in a surrounding area. If you start to notice something abnormal in your throat, mouth, or gums, you should bring it up with a medical professional. Bleeding sores in your mouth, or sores that fail to heal over time may be a sign of oral cancer. If you’re experiencing pain or white patches beneath your tongue, this may also be a sign of oral cancer. If you can feel a constant lump in your mouth or throat — as if you’ve got some food caught inside — this may also be the growth that points to oral cancer.
If Diagnosed with Oral Cancer, Your Oral Surgeon Will Perform a Biopsy
Scans and biopsies from your oral surgeon allow them to confirm oral cancer diagnoses. If you are demonstrating precancerous signs, your oral surgeon can recommend treatment for you as well. Surgery will typically follow a positive diagnosis of cancer. During surgery, your oral surgeon can remove tumors and affected tissue in the surrounding area. Your dentist may also perform reconstructive surgery to rebuild the tissue affected by tumor removal. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are treatment methods that attack the cancerous cells inside your body in addition to or in lieu of surgery.
Making Regular Appointments Is Important for Your Oral Health
Professional dental cleanings are a big reason why you should visit your dentist every six months. In addition to keeping your teeth clean, your dentist or oral surgeon can also perform a thorough examination, checking for issues like gum disease, premature tooth wear, and oral cancer. Discovering the presence of a significant oral health issue early on allows you and your dentist to act now and give yourself the best prognosis possible.
Schedule an Examination at Cerritos Dental Surgery
Your oral health is important! The best way to protect it is with preventive appointments every six months. At Cerritos Dental Surgery, we monitor the health of your teeth, as well as the health of your throat, mouth, and other oral tissues. If we notice a problem, we can determine a treatment plan to help you combat the issue.
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA, ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Cerritos, CA, and all surrounding communities, such as Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and more.
