Oral Cancer Screening & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions about Oral Cancer Screening in Naples

According to the latest numbers, more than 3,000 individuals are diagnosed with oral cancer per year in the US. Around 1,000 deaths have been attributed to this disease yearly. These numbers can be reduced if the disease has been diagnosed in its early stage. Once the lesions have been discovered early, the survival rate is at 71%. However, for those that are at a late-stage of oral cancer, the survival rate will be decreased to 37%. A regular oral cancer screening performed by a dentist in Naples is necessary to immediately identify if there is abnormal cell formation in our mouth.

Having regular appointments with your dental clinic in Naples will give you more than just a gorgeous smile. It is also an opportunity for your dentist to look for the early symptoms of oral cancer. Visiting your dentist at a frequency of twice per year will ensure that your mouth is in excellent condition. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about oral cancer screening that prove just how important it is to take the test.

What Should You Expect During the Screening?

The dental office near you that offers oral cancer screening will explain that the test is comprised of multiple levels. During the initial appointment, the dentist will start to provide the most basic exam. They will be looking at the various sections of your oral system. This will include the back of your throat, roof of the mouth, insides of your cheeks, different parts of your tongue, gums, and lips. For those who are wearing dentures, you will be instructed to remove them to make it easier for our dentist to check the tissue underneath. The entire examination should not last more than 5 minutes.

Why Do I Need an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is intended to look for early signs of oral cancer. As aforementioned, the probability of treating oral cancer is high as long as it is discovered during its early stage. The goal of the treatment is to look for spots, lumps, and anything that appears unusual. Once you notice some of these signs, you must call your dentist immediately for an oral cancer screening in Naples. There are instances when our dentist will be more thorough when conducting the analysis. We will be using blue dye before the examination. If there are abnormal cells in the mouth, it will absorb the dye which will make it easier to see them.

Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screening?

Based on the report, men have a higher risk of developing oral cancer compared to women. Those who are 50 years of age and older are also more vulnerable to the disease. Other factors can increase the risk of developing oral cancer such as:

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Too Much Exposure to the Sun

Family History

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Smoking

Consuming Smokeless Tobacco

How Can Oral Cancer Be Treated?

Oral cancer will be treated similarly to other kinds of cancer. Your dentist in Naples will work together with an oral surgeon to remove the abnormal cell growth. This will then be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy–this aims to destroy the cancerous growth. 

How Can Oral Cancer Be Prevented?

There are different ways to prevent oral cancer. Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol often. You should also have a properly balanced diet. Try to reduce your direct exposure to the sun. Continuous exposure increases the possibility of cancerous cells forming on your lips. In case you cannot avoid this, be sure to apply sunscreen that can block the UV-A/B of the sun.

To check if you are suffering from oral cancer, be sure to set up an appointment at your dental clinic in Naples at regular intervals. An oral cancer screening is necessary to check signs of abnormality in your mouth and prevent the situation from becoming life-threatening.