Dentist in Buffalo Grove Says Get Screened for Oral Cancer

Dr. Natalya Nagornaya, your dentist in Buffalo Grove, regularly screens all her patients for oral cancer–an all-too-common and deadly cancer affecting the lips, tongue, hard palate and tissues at the back of the throat. If detected early, oral cancer is highly treatable and curable.The team at Countryside Dental wants you to know the facts about oral cancer during April. It’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month and time for your routine screening.

Who Gets Oral Cancer?

Frankly, oral cancer can strike anyone at any time. However, some individuals appear to be more susceptible, including men between the ages of 40 and 60. While in the past, women diagnosed with oral cancer were far fewer, the number of women with oral cancer has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. Previously, more men contracted oral cancer than women by a ratio of six to one. Currently, however, the proportion is two men for every one woman.

Besides gender, oral cancer has other risk factors. They include smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, alcohol abuse and excessive sun exposure. People who have contacted the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, run an increased risk for oral cancer, too. Additionally, some research studies show nutrition plays a role in developing oral cancer. In general, a diet high in fruits and vegetables seems to reduce the risk, and conversely, a diet low in vegetables and fruits appears to increase the risk.

Surprisingly,  the Oral Cancer Foundation says about seven percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer possess none of the typical risk factors. As a result, dentists and primary care physicians emphasize the importance of regular oral cancer assessment.

How Bad is Oral Cancer?

Your family dentist in Buffalo Grove says that the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is low: only about 45 percent. Because many oral cancers are detected at a later stage of development, this unfortunate statistic is a fact of life. If oral cancer is detected early though, survival rates increase dramatically.

In addition, your dentist says to be aware of sores and other kinds of lesions that do not heal quickly. If you detect any lumps, swellings, red or white patches or sores that do not resolve in or around your mouth within 14 days, see your primary care physician or Dr. Nagornaya right away. Hoarseness, a persistent sore throat or earache in one ear, pain or trouble swallowing may be indicators of cancer, too. So, seek medical advice if you encounter any of these symptoms.

Don’t Avoid Oral Cancer Screenings

You needn’t worry about oral cancer if you are vigilant about getting your semi-annual exams at Countryside Dental. Dr. Nagornaya and her team will be on the alert for any changes in your oral mucosa.  If you have questions about oral cancer, or if it’s time for your semi-annual check-up,  contact the office team at Countryside Dental for your preventive dentistry appointment.