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Typically, oral cancer has been associated with tobacco and alcohol use; however, people who don’t smoke or drink excessively are also susceptible. Men are twice as likely as women to get oral cancer; in fact, an estimated 19,000 men are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Adding to this, research suggests that men who have been diagnosed with the human papillomavirus (HPV) are at a higher risk for getting oral cancer. Oral cancer is a serious illness, and its treatment and diagnosis deserve serious attention.
Because there is currently no cure for HPV, many in the medical community are now promoting the vaccine Gardasil to prevent the acquisition of the sexually transmitted disease (and, by extension, oral cancer) in men and boys. Although Gardasil may help address the problem, it is critical that men receive proper dental care to help screen for oral cancer.
Oral Screenings
As with other types of cancer, early detection is critical in beating oral cancer. Fortunately, breakthroughs in technology allow for faster and more accurate detection of suspicious tissue than ever before.
Good oral screenings includes the following:
• Regular check-ups – During a routine examination, your dentist will inspect your mouth for lesions, discolorations, or other abnormalities.
• Adjunctive screening – Today, many dentists use technology such as ViziLite Plus to better detect soft tissue abnormalities. During an adjunctive screening, your dentist will dim the lights and use a special light to inspect the inside of your mouth. These screenings are completely painless, and they can alert your dentist to abnormalities that might not be readily visible to the naked eye.
What to Watch For
During your appointment, you might learn what warning signs to look for at home; by empowering patients to self-examine, dentists help ensure that oral cancer is caught early.
If you notice any of the following, call a dentist right away:
• White, red, or otherwise discolored spots in the mouth
• Sores in or around the mouth that do not heal
• Excessive and repeated bleeding in the mouth
• Pain or numbness in the mouth area
The key to successfully fighting oral cancer is early diagnosis. All adults - especially those in high-risk groups - should be sure to visit the dentist regularly and be aware of potential warning signs.
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