Understanding and Prioritizing Oral Cancer Screenings at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC
The Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC team understands that oral health is more than just the teeth and gums. The soft tissues inside the mouth and throat are also critical to dental health and wellness. Monitoring for specific health concerns, including oral cancer, should be done regularly with oral cancer screenings at each dental appointment. Our Las Cruces, New Mexico, area dentists can educate you on oral cancer, including what symptoms to look out for, the importance of routine oral cancer screenings, and what to do if you get an oral cancer diagnosis.
What is oral cancer, and how does it affect different parts of the oral cavity?
Oral cancer is a variety of cancers that can affect any part of the oral cavity, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor or roof of the mouth, and throat. It occurs when cells in these areas grow out of control and form tumors.
Some common oral cancer symptoms include:
- Sores or lesions in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks
- Difficulty swallowing
- Continued hoarseness or throat pain
- A lump or a thickening in the mouth or neck
- Changes in the fit of the upper and lower teeth
Not all symptoms of oral cancer are noticeable, which is why routine screenings are crucial for early detection and treatment.
Why are routine oral cancer screenings necessary?
Early detection is critical to one’s chances of surviving oral cancer. When caught early, treatment can be highly effective and have a better chance of success. Unfortunately, many cases of oral cancer are left undetected until they have reached an advanced stage, making it more challenging to treat. Regular oral cancer screenings allow dentists to catch any abnormalities or signs of cancer early on and recommend further testing or treatment as needed.
Have you recently been diagnosed with oral cancer?
If you have been screened by our team at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC, for cancer and your results have been reported as positive, the next step is to seek effective mouth cancer treatment options with a referral to a local oncologist. Our team is here to help you during your oral health journey and can assist with diagnosing and preventing oral cancer. Call our practice at (575) 339-1838 to request an appointment. We are open to new patients and families.