Life-saving oral cancer guidance and screening to protect your mouth and health
Life-saving oral cancer guidance and screening to protect your mouth and health
The American Cancer Society reports that each year, nearly 60,000 Americans will receive an oral cancer diagnosis. More than 12,000 people will succumb to this form of cancer. Fortunately, oropharyngeal cancers of the mouth and throat can be detected early during an oral cancer screening. Our team at the office of Arnold Rifman DDS in Hollywood, California, also works with you to identify and resolve any “modifiable” or controllable risk factors for this potentially life-threatening disease.
Why is early detection so important?
Generally, oral cancers and other cancers are easier to treat when they are detected and addressed in their earliest stages. At this stage, the cancer is confined to its site of origin or is localized, meaning it has not spread or metastasized to neighboring tissues, structures, or distant organs. The more the cancer has spread, the harder it is to treat effectively.
Does oral cancer always cause symptoms?
No – particularly in its earliest stages, oral cancer is asymptomatic or “silent.” It does not produce the “usual” cancer signs or noticeable changes in your mouth. This fact only underlines the importance of regular oral cancer screenings at our office. The pathologic process that is oral cancer may be occurring and might otherwise go unnoticed or undetected without a screening by a professional like our dentist, Dr. Rifman. By the time you notice symptoms, the cancer may have progressed. At a later stage, it may take more aggressive treatments to successfully “cure” the cancer.
What are you looking for during a screening?
During your visit, we examine for potential changes since your last visit, both visually and by touch. We are looking for changes such as:
- Red patches and persistent sores on the floor of the mouth and tongue
- Whitish-gray and slightly raised lesions (leukoplakia) that may develop anywhere in the mouth
- Lumps and swollen tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth
Changes in how you feel and function can also be red flags that require discussion during your appointment. For instance, it’s important to tell us if you have had problems with swallowing or difficulty chewing. You should also tell us about any unexplained numbness or tingling in the tongue, lips, or face. Oral cancer may cause changes in your vocal quality, persistent hoarseness, frequent sore throats, and earaches.
Do you use X-rays during the examination?
For oral cancer screenings, laser technology is a wonderful tool. It highlights pathologic changes for us, which aids in our ability to accurately diagnose any anomalies present in the face, glands, and neck. This laser overcomes the limitations of the human eye, as it can “see” below the surface for abnormalities that are otherwise invisible to the unaided eye.
What can I do to reduce my risk of developing oral cancer?
It’s estimated that around 90% of individuals with oral cancer smoke, chew, and/or use other tobacco products. So, tobacco use is the most prominent risk factor. The second most significant risk is excessive alcohol consumption. The combination of tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption also has a synergistic effect, potentially increasing your risk of developing this cancer by 30-fold (or more). Other risk factors include HPV infections, sun exposure, and lack of sun protection (especially on the lips), and a poor diet lacking in fruits and veggies.
In general, we support a healthy lifestyle. Smoking cessation, drinking less alcohol, vaccinations (for HPV), proper sun protection such as lip balms that contain SPF, and a nutritious diet can all help to lower your risk of being diagnosed with this life-changing and potentially life-threatening cancer.
To schedule your visit, please call the office of Arnold Rifman DDS, in Hollywood, CA, at 323-466-2937.
