Is Your Dentist Checking You for Oral Cancer?

This year, we expect another 35,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer. This annual number has steadily increased in recent years. While the survival rates for many other cancers have improved, we have not made progress with oral cancer because it often goes undetected until the later stages. Sadly, about half of all people with oral cancer die within five years of their diagnosis. Of those who do survive, many have faced radiation treatments and/or difficult and disfiguring head and neck surgery. Early detection and treatment can make a major difference in the quality of life and years of survival.

Screening for oral cancer should be a regular part of your dental care. Your dentist is the best member of your health team to detect oral cancer at an early stage, before there are any symptoms. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. Fortunately, specialized tools such as the oral camera and magnification glasses can lead to early detection of oral cancer and improve the likelihood of cure. It is important to choose a dentist who has the skills and experience needed to recognize cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. Routine dental check-ups may save more than your teeth; they may save your life!

There are several known risk factors for oral cancer. Most patients are 40 years of age or older. Many have a history of tobacco use in all its forms, especially when combined with excess alcohol intake. Tobacco and alcohol are well-known and long-established risk factors. Yet another good reason to quit smoking and use alcohol in moderation!

More recently, we have learned that exposure to the human papilloma virus version 16 or HPV-16 is another important cause of oral cancer. This recent finding may explain many cases among non-smokers and non-drinkers. HPV-16 is the same virus that causes most cases of cervical cancers in women. The cancer may appear years or decades after the HPV-16 exposure.

Oral cancer screening is a routine part of my comprehensive dental examination. During the examination, I carefully examine the lips, inside of your mouth, palate, tongue and gums. I may be able to detect white or red spots or sores that the patients cannot see themselves. Sometimes the patient may overlook the spot at first because it is not painful. If I find anything of concern, I perform a small biopsy immediately and send the tissue to the laboratory for microscopic examination by a pathologist.

If you have not been screened for oral cancer, please call our office at (610) 565-2868 so we may assist you. I am committed to proper screening and helping patients fight and win the battle against oral cancer.

Your dental care is important to me.

Dr. L. Z. Bodak-G
Media PA Dentist