We support healthy smiles and long, happy lives: The importance of detecting oral cancers early
Cancers of the mouth and throat can have a devastating effect on your life. However, it is important to understand that oral and pharyngeal cancer also responds well to therapies when detected early with routine screening. Additionally, Advanced Dental partners with patients from across the Aliso Viejo, California, area to minimize their unique risk factors for developing this condition in the first place.
Am I at risk?
You may be! Our dentists, Drs Chitra Tiruveedula and Joseph C. Yang, get to know you and any changes in your health and life that could impact your oral health. These risk factors include smoking and the use of tobacco products. They also include excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, carrying around excess weight, advancing age, HPV infections, and exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds. Men are also twice as likely to develop cancers of the mouth (oral cavity) and throat (pharynx) than women. We work with you to identify and manage those risks that can be controlled, and many of these modifications benefit your mouth and your entire body. So, they are often good habits to get into!
The Importance of Early Detection in Cancer Treatment
Cancers of the mouth and throat (oral and pharyngeal cancer) can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. However, they respond well to treatment when detected early during routine screenings with your dentist. This is why it’s important to make regular dental visits, at least once every six months. Schedule your consultation at Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA, and put your mind at ease.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Routine Screenings Matter
Protect Oral Health
Peace of Mind
Why is early detection important?
No one wants to get a cancer diagnosis, obviously. However, not unlike other cancers, these growths have far better outcomes when they are detected and treated at the “local” stage before cancer has spread to different parts of the mouth, face, head, neck, and more distant tissues and organs. For example, the American Cancer Society reports that the 5-year survival rate for localized lip cancers is 94%. However, survival rates stand at 63% and 38% for regional and distant cancers treated after they have spread to nearby and far away structures such as the lymph nodes and lungs, respectively.
How do you find cancers early?
Oral cancer screenings are easily integrated into your regular dental visits. During an appointment, your dentist visually inspects for trouble signs. These potential red flags might include:
- Persistent or recurrent sores that never really seem to heal or go away
- White or red patches
- Lumps or areas of swelling and thickened tissue
- Facial asymmetry or drooping
Your dentist will also feel for potential anomalies by gently touching or examining the mouth and neck. You may be asked to move your tongue and perform other functions, as symptoms are not limited to those that affect your appearance. It’s also important to contact us immediately if you notice changes in how dentures, retainers, or other oral appliances fit or if you have noticed problems with swallowing or chewing, numbness, or a feeling that something is “stuck” inside your throat. Frequent sore throats and vocal changes, like hoarseness, should be mentioned to your friends at Advanced Dental, too.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
What are the worrying signs of oral cancer?
Recognizing the symptoms of oral cancer is the first step towards getting the right treatment. The warning symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Painful, bleeding, or growing lesions in the mouth
- White or red patches in the mouth
- A persistent sore throat that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Unexplained bumps, swellings, or masses
- Voice changes or ongoing hoarseness
- Unexpected weight loss
- Painful or difficulty swallowing
As a rule of thumb, if something feels off for more than two weeks, it’s time to get it checked. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer exam is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. Your dentist visually examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, and throat for unusual lesions, patches, and discolorations. The dentist also uses gloved hands to palpitate your throat and gums to feel any irregular bumps and swellings. The procedure is comfortable and only takes about 5 minutes.
How often should I get screened for oral cancer?
Once a year is a good baseline, however, if you have higher risk factors, such as tobacco use, exposure to certain strains of HPV, or frequent alcohol consumption, you may need more frequent check-ups, typically every six months. We’ll recommend the frequency based on your risk profile.
Does everyone need oral cancer screening?
Yes. Oral cancer can affect anyone. Historically, oral cancer was often diagnosed in adults aged over 45. However, now people in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed with oral cancer, and it’s often more aggressive. Because mouth cancer doesn’t discriminate, everyone should undergo routine screenings.
Do I need to schedule a separate oral cancer exam?
Usually, no. Screenings are often included in your routine dental check-up, so you don’t need a separate appointment. It’s one more reason to stay consistent with your visits. However, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment if they find something suspicious.
Does insurance cover oral cancer screening?
Most insurance plans cover preventive services, including oral cancer exams. However, benefits vary by plan. We’ll help review your coverage and explain what’s covered.
Does the dentist diagnose oral cancer?
Examining mouths is our bread and butter, so we are best placed to spot even the smallest changes. We help detect lesions, patches, bumps, and other suspicious changes that may indicate the presence of mouth cancer.
It’s important to note that we help detect pre-cancerous and cancerous signs. If something unusual is found, we recommend further testing, including a biopsy, to obtain a precise diagnosis.
Can I prevent oral cancer?
While oral cancer isn’t entirely preventable, you can lower its risk. Steps you can take to prevent oral cancer include:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol intake
- Use sun protection for your lips
- Maintain good oral hygiene and don’t skip regular dental visits
- Eat healthy foods
- Consider the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Where can I get an oral cancer screening in Aliso Viejo, CA?
Oral cancer develops silently, and you don’t notice symptoms until it has advanced. That’s why you need routine screenings to detect oral cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. If you are overdue for an oral cancer exam in the Aliso Viejo area, call (949) 289-9993 and schedule an appointment with Advanced Dental.
What if you find something suspicious?
Do not worry! We can often rule out these cancers as the source of many irregularities. However, if we are concerned about an area, a small bit of tissue may be taken from that spot. This biopsy service is performed to take a closer look at the tissue. We also enlist other specialists to get you the prompt, specialized, and professional care you deserve, which could add many meaningful years to your life. So, do not ignore the trouble signs or delay scheduling an appointment if you are overdue. Contact our Aliso Viejo, CA team today at (949) 289-9993.
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.