Oral Cancer Screening in Westland, MI

The Dangers of Oral Cancer

Approximately 54,000 Americans receive an oral cancer diagnosis each year. The mortality rate remains alarmingly high because many cases go undetected until advanced stages. When caught early, survival rates improve dramatically from 38% in late stages to over 80% in early stages.

Primary Risk Factors

• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco increases oral cancer risk six times compared to non-users. Dr. Cohen emphasizes that no form of tobacco use is safe.
• Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking significantly raises risk, particularly when combined with tobacco. The synergistic effect creates exponentially higher danger.
• HPV Infection: HPV-16 has emerged as a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers, especially among younger patients.
• Sun Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure increases lip cancer risk. Outdoor workers face higher vulnerability to this specific type.
• Age and Gender: Most diagnoses occur in people over 40. Men face twice the risk of women.

Treatment often involves surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that can result in significant changes to appearance, speech, and eating abilities. Financial burdens can be substantial, making preventive screenings at Parkside Dental in Westland, MI, a wise investment in both health and financial well-being.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Recognizing warning signs empowers patients to seek prompt attention. Dr. Cohen educates patients about symptoms they should never ignore. Early identification can make the difference between successful treatment and advanced disease progression.

Critical Warning Signs

• Persistent Sores: Mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks warrant immediate evaluation. Cancerous lesions remain present and may grow larger.
• Unusual Patches: White or red patches inside the mouth can signal precancerous or cancerous conditions.
• Lumps or Thickening: Any unusual masses in the mouth, throat, or neck should never be dismissed.
• Functional Difficulties: Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue can indicate oral cancer.
• Persistent Throat Issues: Chronic sore throat or hoarseness lasting more than two weeks needs attention.
• Numbness or Bleeding: Unexplained numbness or spontaneous bleeding should prompt an immediate visit.

Patients in Westland, MI, who notice any symptoms should contact Parkside Dental promptly. Dr. Cohen can perform a thorough examination to determine whether symptoms require further investigation. A feeling that something is caught in the throat, persistent earaches on one side, or changes in how teeth fit together, all potentially relate to oral cancer.

The Oral Cancer Screening Process

Screenings at Parkside Dental take only a few minutes. Dr. Cohen incorporates these into regular checkups, creating a systematic approach to monitoring oral health.

Six-Step Screening Procedure

1. Medical History Review: Dr. Cohen reviews your medical history, medications, and any changes since your last visit, including risk factors and symptoms.
2. Visual Examination: Thorough inspection of lips, gums, tongue, floor of mouth, roof of mouth, and throat for abnormalities in color, texture, or appearance.
3. Tactile Assessment: Gentle palpation of tissues inside the mouth and along the neck and jaw to detect lumps or irregular changes.
4. Patient Participation: You’ll be asked to move your mouth in specific ways to allow complete visualization of all oral structures.
5. Advanced Technology: Special lights or diagnostic tools may be used to highlight abnormal tissues when concerns are identified.
6. Documentation: All findings are carefully documented, and Dr. Cohen explains results and any areas requiring monitoring or follow-up.

The screening process causes no discomfort and requires no needles or invasive procedures. For high-risk patients, Dr. Cohen may recommend more frequent screenings.

Oral Cancer Screening Follow-up

When Dr. Cohen identifies suspicious areas during a screening, a systematic follow-up process begins. The approach depends on the abnormality’s characteristics, location, and your health profile.

Followup Procedures

• Observation and Monitoring: Minor tissue changes may be photographed and checked again in two to four weeks. Dr. Cohen schedules specific appointments to verify healing or stability.
• Biopsy for Diagnosis: Persistent or suspicious lesions require tissue sampling for laboratory analysis. This can often be performed in-office or by a specialist.
• Specialist Coordination: When results indicate cancer or precancerous changes, Dr. Cohen coordinates care with oral surgeons, oncologists, and radiation therapists.
• Precancerous Treatment: Conditions like dysplasia require intervention through surgical removal, laser therapy, or other approaches before progressing to cancer.

The follow-up period extends well beyond initial treatment. Patients who have had oral cancer require ongoing monitoring to check for recurrence. Dr. Cohen performs regular examinations to catch any new developments early. Lifestyle modifications, including tobacco cessation and alcohol moderation, form key components of comprehensive care.

Reconstructive needs may arise following oral cancer treatment. Dr. Cohen can help coordinate dental rehabilitation, including prosthetics, dental implants, or other restorative work to help patients regain quality of life.