ORAL CANCER, YES, IT EXISTS!

Oftentimes, cancer affects our lives in detrimental ways.  The good news is that early detection gives us the chance to fight...and win! I've decided to share important information about one of the riskiest cancers in existence....ORAL CANCER.  I would like to design this conversation as a series so as to clearly organize the information necessary to educate you on what you need to know.  Lets begin with part one. 

To begin, I would like to let you know that not all abnormal or suspicious lesions turn out to be cancer.  The good news is that the abnormality could be detected early in its development, therefore increasing the chances of survival.

Early detection begins with a comprehensive oral examination conducted by your dentist.  As part of the examination your dentist should conduct a thorough visual and tactile evaluation of the exterior and interior of your mouth, including the areas of your chin and neck.  Available as adjunctive explorative tools are special lights and dyes that serve to identify suspicious tissues. Should the area prove suspicious to your dentist, a small tissue sample may be taken using a brush technique.  This sample is then sent for microscopic testing in a specialized laboratory.  

We, in our office, as in many others, at times refer you to a specialist to further evaluate the suspicious area.  If needed, the specialist may perform a small painless biopsy of the tissue in question.  Referral for a second opinion should assure you that we want to conclusively determine the nature of the suspicious lesion.  Most of these questionable areas prove to be benign conditions. Do not allow this process to alarm you.  On the contrary, it allows us to detect malignant lesions early, enabling us to maximize the effectiveness of the prescribed treatments.

An oral cancer screening, as described above, should be conducted yearly as part of your regular dental examinations. Patients who present with certain risk factors such as tobacco use are encouraged to have this evaluation completed on a more frequent basis, keeping in mind that early detection significantly increases the rate of survival.  All team members involved in direct patient care (hygienist or dental assistant ) should be well trained to detect suspicious lesions.  Swift communication with the treating dentist will then initiate the exploratory and diagnostic process.  

Please stay tuned for part II of this series.  My next blog entry will focus on the risk factors involved in oral cancer.  Until then, please keep smiling and remember: We are happy to help you achieve that "Smile You'd Be Proud To Wear...ANYWHERE!!