Am I at risk for oral cancer?
The truth is anyone could develop oral cancer. While some patients present a higher risk, all patients should get screened for oral cancer at least once a year. April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and Dr. David Weinstock wants to remind his patients to get screened for oral cancer. Our Philadelphia, PA dentist office provides oral cancer screenings during every oral health exam to help our patients catch complex dental concerns as early as possible.
Oral Cancer Risks
Oral cancer can affect any patient of any age. The demographics for oral cancer are slowly shifting as HPV becomes more widely spread. Doctors are beginning to diagnose oral cancer in patients as young as their late teens.
The good news about oral cancer is that patients have a good chance of fighting the cancer when it is diagnosed early. Unfortunately, due to a lack or dental health care and screenings, oral cancer often goes undiagnosed until the later stages of development.
Everyone should be screened at least once a year, patients at higher risk of oral cancer may consider visiting the dentist more frequently for screenings.
Common risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Use of any tobacco product- smoking, chewing or vaping
- Patients exposed to the HPV virus
- Male sexed patients
- Over the age of 50
Oral Cancer: The Facts
- Nearly 50,000 Americans a year will be affected by oral cancer
- Oral cancer is most common in patients over 50
- Oral cancer has been found in patients as young as in their 20s
- Men are twice as likely to get oral cancer than women
- HPV, Human Papillomavirus, has increased the risk of oral cancer in men and women who are sexually active
- Smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco can increase your likelihood of developing oral cancer
- Routine oral cancer screenings at Dr. Weinstock’s office could save your life!
Oral Cancer Screenings
Getting screened for oral cancer is one of the simplest procedures you can have done at our Philadelphia dentist office. Oral cancer screenings are easy, quick and virtually pain free. Dr. Weinstock will visually screen your entire mouth in just a few minutes. Getting screened at least twice a year can allow for early diagnosis for effective treatment. Dr. Weinstock will provide a thorough oral screening at each of your six month dental checkups.
Know the signs of oral cancer:
- Red or white patches
- Thickening of the oral tissue
- Change in the fit of your dentures
- A feeling of something stuck in your throat
- Open sores that do not heal in a few days
If you notice any of these signs be sure to contact our Philadelphia dentist office as soon as possible. These symptoms could be signs of a wide range of dental health concerns and should be examined if they persist.
Schedule An Appointment
Call the office of Dr. David Weinstock today to schedule a dental health exam and oral cancer screening. Our compassionate and highly trained dental care team can help answer your questions. We look forward to treating you!