Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life | Dentist Mckinney City TX
As part of the comprehensive dental health services our experienced dentist would like to remind patients that our clinic provides complete oral cancer screening. As with many types of cancer, early diagnosis can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment. Routine screenings at Procare Dental Studio serve as your first line of protection against oral cancer, and our dental team is here to help safeguard your oral health.
During your screening, our dentist will carefully examine your mouth, throat, tongue, gums, and lips for any abnormalities that could indicate or develop into cancer. Any symptoms you may be experiencing will also be thoroughly evaluated. If you have noticed oral cancer symptoms lasting longer than a week without improvement, schedule an appointment with us and inform your dentist as soon as possible.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
- Ear pain
- Unexplained mouth bleeding
- Mouth sores that don’t heal
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Dramatic weight loss
- Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
- Sore throat without other sinus symptoms
- Sensation of something caught in the back of your throat
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
Protect Your Health with Early Oral Cancer Detection
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), every hour, one adult in the United States loses their life to oral cancer. While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Common risk factors include family history, long-term sun exposure, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and heavy alcohol consumption. Men are statistically more likely to develop oral cancer than women. Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also face a higher risk.
No matter the cause, successful treatment largely depends on how early the cancer is detected, as well as its size and stage. The American Dental Association emphasizes that early diagnosis is extremely important because oral cancers identified in the beginning stages have a survival rate of nearly 80–90%. Detecting cancer early often allows for faster, less invasive treatment and can help prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.