Oral cancer is highly preventable and “curable” when detected early with routine screenings at our office
Nationally, around 54,000 people will be diagnosed with cancers of the mouth and throat each year. Closer to home in Illinois, there will be nearly 2,000 new cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer this year. Brighton Park Dental understands how terrifying the mere mention of the word “cancer” can be; however, there is a big silver lining here. By maintaining routine checkups at our office in Chicago, we can detect precancerous lesions and cancers early, before they have spread. Like with other types of cancer, oral cancers are generally easier to “cure” when detected and addressed before they have metastasized to different parts of the body.
How do you detect cancers during checkups?
Oral cancer screening is a preventative service incorporated into the routine hygiene visit. During these visits, our hygienists clean your teeth and gums, and Drs Aroon Pal, Nilay Patel, and Taylor Jemilo examine your mouth and other parts of your face, head, and neck. Our skills and experience go beyond assessing the condition of the teeth and gums. We also look for suspicious lumps, bumps, thick areas, persistent sores, facial asymmetry and drooping, and strange discoloration. We don’t rely solely on our eyes to identify potential issues; we also use touch to find areas that may require further examination. Even if you are not due for a checkup, it is crucial to contact us as soon as possible if you notice any changes in the feel, appearance, or function of your mouth.
What are some changes that could be red flags for cancer?
Some common symptoms we hear about from patients include persistent numbness, unexplained hoarseness, frequent sore throats, and difficulty swallowing—a sensation like something is caught in their throat. They may also find that their dentures, oral splints, or other appliances no longer fit due to swelling. If this concerns you, it concerns our team and should be evaluated promptly.
Can I reduce my risk of developing oral cancer?
Yes! Risk factors for oral cancer include the use of any products that contain nicotine, heavy alcohol consumption, and unprotected exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun’s rays or tanning beds (this puts you at particular risk of developing lip cancers). We work with you to identify your risks. With an understanding of your risks, we can suggest steps to minimize them and to protect you from cancer. We always want to be proactive and not reactive.
Our priority at Brighton Park Dental is to prevent problems, rather than respond to them after they have developed. One of the best things you can do to improve your smile and overall health is to maintain checkups at our southwest Chicago, Illinois office. We can keep your mouth healthy or restore your health by finding and resolving precancers and localized or early-stage cancers. We can also advise on healthy habits and behaviors to promote your best smile and self.
A good rule of thumb is … if it’s beneficial to your body, it’s also helpful to your mouth and can be a protective factor against oral cancer!
Call us today at (773) 801-5171 with any concerns and to schedule your screening.
