We are committed to helping our patients achieve smiles that are loved wholeheartedly. While the appearance of your smile is without a doubt an extremely important factor, the overall health of your entire mouth is not to be overlooked! Therefore, we are proud to provide your first line of defense against the progression of oral cancer with our high-tech oral cancer screening procedure.
Oral Cancer Facts
The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that close to 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. More than forty percent of those will have succumbed to the cancer within five years.
Oral cancer refers to any cancer that develops in the area of the head and neck, excluding brain cancer. This can include the lips, tongue, gums, throat, as well as the tissue that lines the entire oral cavity.
The Risk Factors
Studies reveal there are some habits that can increase your likelihood of developing oral cancer. Some of these risk factors include:
- High exposure to sunlight, leading to cancer of the lips.
- Tobacco use of any kind, including smokeless and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy use of alcohol.
Statistics reveal that those who both smoke and drink have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than others.
While you can actually make a conscientious decision about the amount you expose yourself to sunlight, tobacco, and alcohol, there are also less controllable factors that put you at risk. The National Cancer Institute reports:
- Oral cancer is more common is older adults.
- It occurs more commonly with African Americans than Caucasians.
- Men are more likely to get oral cancer than women.
Oral Cancer Screening
The survival rates for oral cancer are significantly higher when the cancer has been diagnosed at an early stage. That’s why our oral cancer screening test is so important—lifesaving in fact.
We take a thorough approach to your dental care in Greenville, NC, and that includes a oral cancer screening using Velscope. Our high tech procedure utilizes a blue light that exposes any contrasts or abnormalities along your lips, mouth, and throat. It is quick, completely non-invasive, and can detect the beginning of oral cancer even before you start to show symptoms. This facilitates the treatment of the cancer before it has time to spread, and greatly increases the odds of a full recovery.
Being aware of oral cancer is one thing, but taking the appropriate preventive action is another. An oral cancer screening for you and your family can save lives. Book your appointment with us today!
Do you think most people realize how vital an oral cancer screening is to their health?