There are lots of sunny days in Louisiana. And for the most part, that’s a good thing. However, we probably don’t need to tell you that there is a link between over exposure to the sun and skin cancer. And while most people think of seeing a dermatologist when they think of skin cancer, the truth of the matter is that your dentist may actually be the first one to detect this disease.
Melanoma and Your Mouth
According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, “Melanoma is usually, but not always, a cancer of the skin. It begins in melanocytes – the cells that produce the pigment melanin that colors the skin, hair and eyes.”
Melanocyte cells, however, exist in other areas of the body. Therefore, melanoma does not only present in the skin.
There are three types of melanoma:
- Cutaneous melanoma is cancer of the skin
- Mucosal melanoma occurs in any mucous membrane of the body including the mouth and throat
- Ocular melanoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the eye
Your Dentist and Oral Cancer
When melanoma presents anywhere in the mouth, throat or on the lips, it is considered a form of oral cancer. As with any cancer, treatment hinges on early detection. Because your dentist and hygienist routinely examine your mouth—and are trained to detect the early warning signs of oral cancer—you do yourself a possible lifesaving favor when you schedule dental checkups every six months.
Oral Cancer Screening at the Dentist
During a dental examination, the dentist will look for signs and symptoms of oral cancer. These include:
- A sore in your mouth or on your lips that bleeds and will not heal
- A red or white patch on soft tissue that can be either smooth or rough
- A persistent sore throat
- A lump in the soft tissue of your mouth, throat, jaw line, neck or collar bone
- A spot that feels numb
- Feeling as if you have an earache but no sign of infection
Yes, your dentist will look for these signs of oral cancer during a checkup. However, you should also be aware of them and on the lookout. After all, we only examine your mouth periodically, but you can do so every day. If you see something that looks suspicious, please call our office to make an appointment. Don’t wait for your next scheduled visit. We’d much rather tell you, “Oh, it’s nothing to worry about” than miss something serious.
If you’re due for a dental checkup with an oral cancer screening, or if you’d like more information about this treatable disease, please call our office today.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Moreau and the rest of us here at MoreSMILES would be delighted to meet you and your family. If you need to schedule a checkup or if you are bothered by sleep apnea or TMJ problems, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at 985-888-0668.