No one wants to hear the word cancer, especially from a dentist. But if your dentist is recommending an oral biopsy, it’s worth paying attention. At Desert Valley Oral Surgery, it is common for the surgeon to handle oral biopsies.
Oral cancer is a major problem for Americans, but it is often overlooked until it gets bad. That’s why an oral biopsy is so important. It can catch the problem early, and treatment can be lighter. In a worse case scenario, a late oral cancer diagnosis may mean a shortened life expectancy. It’s not something to ignore.
Having any biopsy may make you anxious, but this is one of the easiest there is. Since the oral surgeon has easy access, it will cause minimal pain after anesthesia wears off. When anxiety sets in, tell yourself that many patients will be fine. This is the best way to be safe and get ahead of what can become a major health threat.
How Much Does an Oral Biopsy Cost?
This will vary patient by patient. In some cases, your health insurance will help foot the bill. It is important to realize that the cost of a biopsy now may save you lots of money in health care bills in the future.
Our office will work with you to understand the billing process and the costs involved. It is our goal that every patient get the care they need, especially oral cancer discovery and treatment. Please don’t let money stop you from getting an oral biopsy. It may save your life.
How Dangerous is Mouth Cancer?
Lung cancer gets a lot of attention, but mouth cancer is just as deadly. They share a common cause: tobacco use. Chewing tobacco is marginally worse for oral cancer than cigarettes and cigars. Yet any type of use leads directly down the road to cancer. That’s why it is so important to stop using tobacco of any kind.
What is Leukoplakia?
There’s a condition called leukoplakia that causes white patches in the mouth. Sometimes it is due to a lifelong habit of chewing the inside of your cheek. Very often, however, it is due to the use of tobacco products.
If your dentist sees these white patches in your mouth, they will suggest one or more oral biopsies. As we’ve said, getting it diagnosed as soon as possible is key to a longer and happier life.
We should mention that those white patches aren’t always a sign of cancer. They can be a sign of ill-fitting dentures or loose bridges. Your dentist will explain if that’s the case and recommend a way to fix the problem.
Four Ways to Approach the Mouth Cancer Threat
First, if you see white patches or growths inside your mouth, go to your dentist for a recommendation.
Second, be proactive. You don’t have to wait for a sign. Today’s technology allows a dentist or oral surgeon to discover places in your mouth where cancer may be lurking. Ask for a test every time you go to the dentist for a cleaning.
Third, give up tobacco. This may save your life and improve the quality of the days you have on earth. It’s difficult, but it is worth it to protect your oral health.
Fourth, if you have been told that you need a biopsy, call our office to make an appointment as soon as possible. Let’s put modern science to work for you.