Anyone who has had cancer can tell you that one of the hardest parts is the ‘waiting game’. One waits for results of a biopsy, waits to see a surgeon, waits for results of chemotherapy. Wait. Wait. Wait.
Therefore, the new device which will test for oral cancer significantly impacts part of the waiting game. The device will make it possible to obtain cells painlessly and test results will be ready in 10 minutes. To anyone who has gone through a painful biopsy and then had to wait days, perhaps a week for results; they can testify to the positive impact this method makes. No pain. No wait. Treatment can start immediately.
Each year, more than 30,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancer are diagnosed and over 8,000 deaths due to oral cancer occur. The 5-year survival rate for these cancers is only about 50 percent. Mortality from oral cancer is nearly twice as high in African-American males as it is in whites.
Oral cancer can form in any part of the mouth or throat. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer. Frequent sun exposure is also a risk for lip cancer.
Symptoms of oral cancer include
• White or red patches in your mouth
• A mouth sore that won't heal
• Bleeding in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Problems or pain with swallowing
• A lump in your neck
• An earache
Anyone suspecting oral cancer needs to see their doctor immediately. Dentists always check for oral cancer during your routine visit; therefore, this is another way to screen for problems before symptoms develop.
And, now dentists will be able to not only screen, but diagnose prior to you leaving the dental chair. No longer will patients need to endure referrals, painful biopsies, long waits for test results, and scheduling follow up consultations. Patients will get immediate results and feedback from their dentist or doctor on how best to proceed.
del.icio.us
Digg this
