Let’s be honest, no one really wants to talk about cancer. It can be a scary subject to approach, whether that is discussing lifestyle choices to reduce your risk or making a plan to have an abnormal spot checked out by a pathologist. We understand that the idea of having cancer can be worrisome for our patients, but that is why it is crucial to know your risk and signs to watch out for. Your team at Berks Oral Surgery in Wyomissing, PA, is here today to talk about it.
Know Your Risk Factor Of Oral Cancer
Some people are surprised to learn that, yes, you can get cancer in your mouth, on your tongue, or on your gums. While there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances, like all cancers, some people may have a genetic predisposition to have this. Your risk significantly increases once you reach the age of fifty and may be further increased if you heavily consume alcohol, use tobacco products, or have excessive amounts of sun exposure. To reduce your risk, you may want to consider smoking cessation and remember to wear sunscreen, especially if you work or spend extended hours outdoors.
Perform Consistent At Home Screenings
Similar to other types of cancer, detecting oral cancer early increases the likelihood of a smooth recovery. At home, you should be performing regular self-screenings to identify any abnormalities you may come across. To achieve this, stand in front of a well-lit mirror and look carefully at your tongue, lips, and inside of your mouth. You will want to look for any sores or rashes that have not healed, lumps or thickening skin, or pain in the area.
Talk To Us If You Notice Changes
If you notice any of these changes or have any other concerns with your oral health, you can always give your Wyomissing, PA, oral surgery team a call. When you come in for your appointment for an oral cancer screening, we will take a biopsy of the area. We will take a small sample of the tissue and send it to the lab for an examination. If the biopsy comes back positive, we will make a plan for the next steps. This phase may involve additional testing, diagnosis, and treatment plans. Remember, the earlier the tumor is diagnosed, the sooner we can treat the area and you can recover.
Concerns About Oral Cancer? Talk To Our Team
We understand that cancer of any kind can be a scary diagnosis to navigate. If you are currently experiencing signs of oral cancer, get in touch with our team today. Call Berks Oral Surgery in Wyomissing, PA, today at 610-374-4093.