Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life | Dentist in 33060
Our expert team wants to remind patients that our office offers thorough oral cancer screening as part of our comprehensive dental health services. Just like with any form of cancer, early diagnosis can profoundly impact the success of your treatment. Regular screenings serve as your first line of defense against oral cancer, and our doctor is here to help you take this vital step in safeguarding your health.
During your screening, our doctor will meticulously check your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities that could be or become cancerous. We will also give careful consideration to any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have noticed any oral cancer symptoms lasting more than a week without improvement, schedule an appointment and inform your dentist immediately. Symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:
- Ear pain
- Unexplained mouth bleeding
- Mouth sores that don’t heal
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Dramatic weight loss
- Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
- A sore throat without other sinus symptoms
- The sensation of something caught in the back of your throat
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
One adult American dies of oral cancer every hour. While anyone can develop oral cancer, several factors can increase your risk. Some common risk factors include genetic predisposition, prolonged sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Oral cancer is more prevalent in men than in women. Additionally, patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at a higher risk. Moreover, tobacco users in any form are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users, highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices in cancer prevention.
Whatever the cause, the success of treatment depends significantly on the size, type, and stage of the cancer. Early detection plays a critical role in your recovery. When found in the early stages, oral cancers boast an impressive 80–90% survival rate. This high rate is primarily due to early detection leading to timely treatment. Oral cancers identified in early or precancerous stages can often be removed with less invasive procedures. In contrast, later stages of cancer are typically larger and more complex, often spreading beyond your mouth and requiring more extensive treatment.
We are currently accepting new patients. If you would like more information about oral cancer and the importance of oral cancer screening, please contact our office for a consultation.
Dr. Nicole M. Berger, DDS
Dr. Berger has cared for patients in Pompano Beach for over two decades at South Florida Smile Spa, with a focus on cosmetic dentistry, implants and reconstruction, and sedation options for anxious patients.
