As a general and family dentist, Dr. Amanda Foust sees patients with a variety of dental cases and needs. One of those needs is oral cancer.
Because oral cancer is often detected in the later stages, it has a higher mortality rate than that of other health problems, including several other forms of cancer. Unfortunately, oral cancer is very little known about.
With the help of modern technology, screening for oral cancer is easy. Generally, oral cancer screening devices use fluorescent lights to detect abnormalities in the tissue of your mouth. The different kinds of tissue appear to “glow” different colors. Screening for oral cancer is quick and does not require any rinses, stains, or discomfort whatsoever.
Luckily, the vast majority of oral cancer is detectable by physical exam, so if you’ve had a thorough evaluation of your mouth, including your teeth and gums, and your dentist doesn’t detect anything, it’s unlikely that you have oral cancer.
Some signs of oral cancer can include areas of your mouth that don’t heal (such as a persistent ulcer or cold sore), constant bleeding, a growth, white or red plaque, constant pain, and difficulty swallowing.
All adults should have an annual oral cancer screening. Men over 40 and women between the ages of 20 and 40 are the most prone to the disease, but it can appear in anyone. Those who use tobacco, consume alcohol daily, or have viral infections, autoimmune deficiencies, or diabetes should be screened more frequently.
Dr. Foust will screen your mouth for signs of oral cancer at every (515) 965-0230 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
