Oral cancer is a very serious medical condition. However, there are screening tests your dentist can run that accurately diagnose the disease. These diagnostic tools are crucial, as early detection saves lives. An oral cancer biopsy is one of the most common screening tools used to detect this disease. Below, we will tell you more about this test.
Oral Cancer Signs and Risk Factors
Oral cancer can affect anyone. However, certain groups are more prone to this disease. Men are more likely to get this cancer than women. Middle-aged and older adults are also at an increased risk. 95% of cases occur in patients ages 40 or older. The average age at diagnosis is 60. Moreover, your lifestyle can increase your risk of oral cancer. A history of tobacco and heavy alcohol usage puts you at risk.
Who Needs an Oral Cancer Screening?
Try not to panic if you are at risk for oral cancer. Instead, talk to your dentist about a cancer screening. These initial exams are simple and painless. Your dentist might examine your mouth, tongue, and gums with their hands. They might also use a special light screening tool to detect changes in your mouth. CT scans and/or MRIs might also be used.
Getting an Oral Cancer Biopsy
If your dentist finds any abnormalities or changes, then they might need more information. An oral cancer biopsy allows them to collect this information from a small set of cells. These cells will usually be collected with a scraping tool or a small incision. The process is quick and will provide definitive results.
Preventative Care is Key
Preventative care will help your mouth stay healthy in the long run, whether you have signs of oral cancer or another type of issue. Katy Cypress offers expert preventative care whenever you need it. Our convenient location and flexible office hours make it easy to get quality care. It’s surprisingly simple to get started. Just call us at 281-667-0607.