What You Should Know About Oral Cancer
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and Dr. Ferullo’s St. Petersburg dentist office wants you to be aware of what you should know about oral cancers. Oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the upper throat and mouth) are responsible for killing one person, every hour of everyday. The high death rate associated with oral cancers is due to it often being diagnosed in the later stages of development. What makes this even more disturbing is those who do survive often suffer with long-term problems from treatment such as facial disfigurement or difficulties with speaking and eating.
The Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Being mindful of the symptoms of oral cancers is important because your moth is the most crucial early warning systems of the body. It is important for you to be aware of the symptoms and signs. It is essential to see a dental professional if you experience any of the following and they do not improve or disappear after two-three weeks:
• A soreness, sore, or irritation that doesn’t go away
• White or red patches, or pain, tenderness or numbness in the lips or mouth
• Rough spots, thickening tissues, lumps, eroded or crusty areas
• Difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue or jaw
• A change in the way your teeth or bite fits together when you close your mouth
• A painless swelling or lump felt in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing or sore throat
• Swelling of the tonsillar area at the back of the mouth
Why it is Important to Have Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
The danger of oral cancers is not getting a diagnosis until it is advanced in its development. When oral cancers are detected and treated early, it drastically reduces mortality and treatment related health problems. Early detection and treatment are the key to a complete recovery. If you have not had a screening for oral cancers then now is the time to be proactive and schedule one.
Easy and Quick Screening for Peace of Mind
Dr. Ferullo offers VELscope® to easily and quickly give oral cancers screenings by using tissue fluorescence. This eliminates the extended testing procedures or the use of dyes. This allows our St. Pete Dentist office to perform the screening in normal lighting in around two minutes as part of a routine hygiene exam.
Schedule Your Free Screening for Oral Cancer Awareness Month
If you have not had an oral cancers screening, there is no better time that during the month of April. Dr. Ferullo, in an effort to raise awareness will offer a free screening with each regular appointment during April. Call our office and make an appointment today to experience our year round cutting-edge laser dentistry and gentle dental care in St. Petersburg by a dentist that is concerned with not only your dental health but also your overall health and well-being.
