Cancer is a word that often evokes of fear and anxiety for a good reason. Sadly, cancer can occur to anyone, but the good news is it can be caught early, which dramatically improves your chances of overcoming it.
Our dentist, Dr. Jay Stucky in Hutchinson, Kansas, cares about your health and is happy to provide you with an oral cancer screening with your dental checkup.
To begin, it has been estimated that over 42,000 Americans alone will be diagnosed with oral or throat cancers this year. Additionally, the five-year survival rate is roughly 64 percent! That is a considerable percentage. It is also known that the earlier you can catch cancer, the better your chances are for treatment and defeating it, making it a top priority to get checked regularly. Luckily, an oral cancer screening does come as part of your semi-annual dental checkup, so you can get tested frequently and catch it as early as possible.
Until your dental checkup, there are signs you can watch out for that could be symptoms of oral cancer. These symptoms include:
-Throat pain: If your throat feels like something is stuck in it or pain when breathing or swallowing, it could be a tumor hiding in your throat.
-Inflammation: If you see any significant swelling in your mouth or gums, along with any lumps or bumps for no apparent reason, this could be a sign of cancer.
-Sensitivity in your gums and throat: If you are experiencing any numbness or pain and tenderness in your mouth, throat and even neck, be sure to get checked out immediately.
-Patches in your mouth or throat: If you see white, red, or speckled spots throughout your mouth, this could be a warning sign.
-Lack of movement: If you have difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, moving your jaw or tongue around, you could be experiencing oral cancer.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to call us for an oral cancer screening right away.
Our dental team is here to assist you and your oral health in any way we can. If you have questions about your oral health, or if you would like an oral health checkup, please call Hutchinson Family Dental today at 620-663-9119 to make an appointment. Our dental team looks forward to seeing you.