Identafi Oral Cancer Exams for Early Detection
Oral cancer is a serious health condition that is often overlooked until it’s too late. At Perrott Dentistry, our Boardman, OH dentist, Dr. Robert Perrott offers Identafi oral cancer exams. Identafi oral cancer exams are a new way to detect oral cancer early.
If you’re concerned about oral cancer, get in contact with your Boardman dentist by calling (330) 726-0090. With years of experience in the field of dentistry, Dr. Perrott is committed to providing the highest quality dental care to his patients.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the mouth, throat, or lips. It is often caused by smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, or exposure to certain viruses. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if left untreated, but it can also be easily treated if caught early.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
It’s best to contact your dentist immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- A sore or lump in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth or lips
- Persistent bad breath
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well
- Pain in the ear without hearing loss
- Voice changes or hoarseness
Benefits of Identafi Oral Cancer Exams
Identafi oral cancer exams have many advantages, including:
- Identafi Oral Cancer Exams are non-invasive and painless.
- Early detection of oral cancer through Identafi Oral Cancer Exams can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.
- Identafi Oral Cancer Exams use a special light to identify abnormal cells in the mouth that may indicate the presence of cancer.
- Identafi Oral Cancer Exams are a quick and easy way to get peace of mind and ensure your oral health.
- Regular Identafi Oral Cancer Exams can help catch any potential issues early, before they become more serious and harder to treat.
Identafi Oral Cancer Exam Process
The Identafi oral cancer exam typically involves the following steps:
Visual exam: Your Boardman dentist will first examine your mouth and throat for any visible signs of cancer, such as sores, lumps, or patches of abnormal tissue.
Identifying abnormal cells: Dr. Perrott will then use a special light to identify any abnormal cells that may be cancerous. The Identafi system uses three different wavelengths of light to illuminate the tissue and highlight any areas of concern.
Biopsy (if necessary): If any abnormal cells are found, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a lab for analysis.
Overall, the Identafi oral cancer exam is a simple and painless procedure that can help detect oral cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable.
The Effects of Untreated Oral Cancer
Untreated oral cancer can have severe and potentially life-threatening effects on both physical health and overall well-being. Here are some of the consequences of leaving oral cancer untreated:
- Spread of Cancer: Oral cancer, if left untreated, can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes in the neck, the lungs, or other organs. Once cancer has metastasized, it becomes much more difficult to treat and can significantly reduce the chances of survival.
- Deterioration of Oral Health: As oral cancer progresses, it can cause significant damage to the tissues in the mouth, including the gums, tongue, and lining of the mouth. This can lead to difficulty in speaking, chewing, and swallowing. In advanced stages, it may even cause disfigurement of the face or neck.
- Chronic Pain: Untreated oral cancer can result in chronic pain in the mouth, throat, and neck. As the cancer grows and spreads, it can put pressure on nerves and other sensitive tissues, leading to persistent discomfort and difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Difficulty in eating and swallowing due to oral cancer can result in malnutrition and weight loss. This can further weaken the body’s immune system and ability to fight off the cancer, leading to a vicious cycle of declining health.
- Impact on Quality of Life: The physical symptoms and emotional stress associated with untreated oral cancer can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. Activities that were once enjoyable may become challenging or impossible, and the psychological toll of living with a potentially life-threatening illness can be significant.
- Increased Risk of Complications: Without appropriate treatment, oral cancer can lead to various complications, including infections, bleeding, and difficulty breathing. These complications can further exacerbate the already serious consequences of the disease.
- Decreased Survival Rate: Perhaps most importantly, untreated oral cancer significantly reduces the chances of survival. The earlier oral cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. Delaying treatment allows the cancer to progress to more advanced stages, making it more difficult to cure or manage effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Identafi oral cancer exam take?
An Identafi oral cancer exam is a quick and non-invasive procedure that usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete. During the exam, the dentist or oral healthcare professional will use a special light to examine the patient’s mouth, tongue, and throat for any signs of oral cancer. The exam is painless and does not require any special preparation beforehand.
Is an Identafi oral cancer exam covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans do cover Identafi oral cancer exams. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider beforehand to confirm coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Is an Identafi oral cancer exam painful?
Identafi oral cancer exams are painless. The exam is non-invasive and does not require any surgery or anesthesia. Patients may feel a slight discomfort or pressure during the exam, but it is typically very minimal.
Who should get an Identafi oral cancer exam?
Anyone who is at risk for oral cancer should consider getting an Identafi oral cancer exam. This includes people who smoke or use tobacco products, have a family history of oral cancer, have a weakened immune system, or have a history of excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, people over the age of 40 are also at an increased risk for oral cancer and should consider getting regular oral cancer exams.
Take Charge of Your Oral Health: Schedule Your Identafi Oral Cancer Exam Today!
Oral cancer is a serious health condition that can be easily detected and treated if caught early. Identafi Oral Cancer Exams are a painless and non-invasive way to detect oral cancer early. If you are at risk for oral cancer, schedule an appointment at our Boardman dental office by calling (330) 726-0090 for an Identafi oral cancer exam. Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment.