At Innovative Dentistry of Davenport, our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive dental care, including thorough oral cancer screenings. Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve the success of treatment, making regular screenings a crucial component of your overall health care. Our experienced dentist in Davenport is here to help you stay proactive about your oral health.
During your oral cancer screening, our dentist will carefully examine your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any signs of abnormalities that could indicate or develop into cancer. We take into account any symptoms you may be experiencing, so it’s essential to inform us if you’ve noticed any of the following symptoms for more than a week:
- Ear pain
- Unexplained mouth bleeding
- Persistent mouth sores
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Significant weight loss
- Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
- Sore throat without sinus symptoms
- Feeling of something caught in your throat
- Pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
Oral cancer is a serious condition, with one American adult losing their life to it every hour. While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain risk factors increase the likelihood. These include genetic predisposition, extended sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, and excessive alcohol consumption. Men are more commonly affected than women, and those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at a higher risk. Tobacco users are six times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to non-users.
The success of oral cancer treatment largely depends on the size, type, and stage of the cancer at the time of detection. Early-stage oral cancers have an 80-90% survival rate, primarily because early detection allows for less invasive treatments. On the other hand, cancers found at later stages are often more complex, larger, and more likely to have spread beyond the mouth, making treatment more challenging.
We are currently welcoming new patients at Innovative Dentistry of Davenport. If you have concerns about oral cancer or are interested in scheduling a screening, please contact our office today. Early detection could be the key to protecting your health.