At Mint Dental, we focus a lot of our efforts on creating a luxurious boutique experience. For us, that means a spa-like atmosphere and menu of services meant to make you feel totally pampered. However, some of our services are less about luxury and more about keeping you healthy. Oral cancer screening is at the top of that list.
When you come in for a comprehensive exam or professional cleaning, Dr. Saterfiel will carefully examine your mouth for any suspicious-looking sores. She will also look for any red or white patches on the inside of your cheeks and/or your gums. If she sees anything that looks questionable or seems to be an indication of oral cancer, she will do further testing to get to the bottom of it so you can get the answers you need.
It’s always difficult to let a patient know that we’ve discovered something suspicious during an oral cancer screening. Luckily, it’s almost always early enough that we can get them started on the path to treatment much more quickly.
Oral Cancer by the Numbers
A report by The Oral Cancer Foundation shared that close to 49,750 Americans were diagnosed with oral oropharyngeal cancer in 2017. Of those diagnosed, approximately 9,750 of the cases were fatal and only slightly more than half (57%) will live five years after their diagnosis.
This number has not improved much in the last few decades, unfortunately. The reason for the high mortality rate is a result of the often late detection. This is why it is SO important to keep a regular routine when it comes to dental exams. If we catch oral cancer early, you have a much better chance.
Who is at Risk?
Oral cancer screenings are more important than ever because we’re seeing a shift in the demographics of who is affected. Here’s an interesting fact: in the past, at least 75% of those diagnosed at 50 and older have been tobacco users. Now, there are new risk factors which impact who is at risk, making it a little more complicated.
We’ve always known that the combination of tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption has led to an increased risk of oral cancer. In fact, those who smoke and drink heavily are 15 times more likely to develop oral cancer than those who do not. However, it’s not just drinking and smoking that lead to oral cancer. HPV is one of the leading causes of oropharyngeal cancers (cancer that is found in the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and/or the tonsils). According to the CDC, HPV is the cause of 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States.
The good news? The HPV vaccine can protect against the types of HPV that can cause oropharyngeal cancers. It can also protect against cervical cancer and other cancers of the reproductive system.
Oral cancer screening is not just a good idea. It can be a lifesaver. If you haven’t been in for a comprehensive exam in a while, now is a great time to come in and see us! You can call us at 337.231.3000 or schedule your appointment online using the simple “Schedule Now” form on our contact page.
