Get To Know About Oral Cancer Screening

Oral health needs a lot of care. Screening is the first step required to find out any health issue. Similarly, oral cancer screening in NY is a process by which the dentist looks for serious dental problems like cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, in the United States of America, approximately 42,000 people were diagnosed with an oral or pharyngeal cancer. Moreover, in the US one person dies every hour due to oral cancer. Unfortunately, the death rate is much higher than that of other types of cancers. It is very important that if you ever have any dental problems or symptoms relating to oral cancer, you immediately see a doctor.

What is oral cancer?

We all know that cancer is the bundle of some unused and unnecessary cells. Oral cancer is the unnatural growth of cells of the gums, lips, throat and oral cavities. Generally, it is found in the first part of the tongue. Although, the swelling around the neck part and mouth is a part of oral cancer.

Causes of oral cancer-

• According to the experts, the main cause of oral cancer is regular and excess consumption of tobacco.
• It is also seen in the patients whose body is more exposed to the sun, or having poor nutrients in the diet, and Sexual transmitted disease such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• Alcohol is one of the reasons which is responsible for oral cancer. If an individual consumes more than 3.5 drinks per day then he/she has more risk of developing oral cancer.
• Genetics- Sadly, people who have a family history of cancer, especially oral cancer, can be at a higher risk of developing oral cancer than those who don’t.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer- Unfortunately, 70 percent of oral cancers are diagnosed in the third or last stage which is very difficult to cure.  So, it is crucial to screen it at the right time. Some of the symptoms or signs may include-

• Difficulty in speaking, chewing or swallowing.
• Changes in the tooth alignment
• Excess sores in the mouth that take too much time to heal even more than two weeks.
• Unusual sensations, like- numbness, tingling, or pain.
• Unusual bleeding
• A lump or hard spot in the mouth

It is important to note that oral cancer can be cured if detected at the early stage. A test named as ViziLite Plus is developed for oral cancer screening. It uses a technology that helps in detecting the tissues which show abnormalities. Oral cancer screening light technology assists your dentist in detecting abnormal tissue in the mouth before it is too late. If you find any kind of symptoms or sign as mentioned above then you must consult a dentist.

For an oral cancer screening light for yourself or for your loved one, consult North Island Dental Arts. For more information visit- http://www.bestsmilesontheisle.com