The stages involved in an oral cancer screening

There are a number of reasons why a tumour originates. It could, for instance, be related to some sort of trauma or prior disease causing damage to the oral cavity. Examples of this are chemical burning and the after effects of diseases such as chicken pox. However the major reason is tobacco. Over three-quarters of all diagnoses are smoking related; for women this statistic could be down to an increase in the number of women smoking over the past few decades.
If there is a potential problem, the next step is to see a specialist.

Oral cancer examination

The initial medical examination is fairly straightforward. Your doctor will examine your mouth looking for obvious signs as outlined above. This will be followed by a more thorough examination of the oral cavity including the nasopharynx and larynx, and involves feeling the neck for any swollen lymph nodes or other lumps. If you have had an X-Ray carried out, this will also be examined.

Once the initial physical appraisal is finished a biopsy may be suggested. Quite simply, this involves analysing a small sample under the microscope by a pathologist. Biopsies are perhaps the most worrying aspect for many patients as they involve a minor surgical procedure. The technique used for obtaining a sample also depends on where the lesion is found. Some procedures are more intrusive than others.

If the biopsy proves malignant then patients normally undergo a full health check. This helps determine the type of treatment required. While most people with oral cancer are elderly, a patient's overall fitness is an important factor in successful treatment. So, while finding cancer is worrying, it is worth ensuring you are fit enough to cope with therapy.

legal steroids
buy and sell website