April is oral cancer awareness month and Boston cosmetic dentist Steven D. Spitz, DMD founder of Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, is making donations to the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the American Cancer Society. These donations are on behalf of two winners of Smilebostons 2012 free oral cancer screening event, where all screened participants chose their favorite charity to win $ 500.
Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Betsie Coulacos and Jeffrey Howard both took advantage of Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistrys 2012 oral cancer screening and were prize winners, providing a donation to the charity of choice. Ms. Coulacos screen showed no signs of cancer, and her visit proved to be beneficial for both her and the stray cats she cares for through the Animal Rescue League of Boston. As a three-time skin cancer survivor, Mr. Howard came to the screening worried, but was relieved to learn that a small bump in his mouth was not cancerous and was thrilled to have won a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Ive lost too many family members to cancer and know the best way to fight it is early detection, said Howard.
Nearly 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. An oral cancer check should be routine as a part of every hygiene visit, said Dr. Steven Spitz. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment are absolutely the key to survival and recovery.
Death rates associated with oral cancer are particularly high because the cancer is generally discovered late in its development. Although oral lesions are not necessarily hard to discover or diagnose, small bumps are usually not taken seriously as a reason to see a dentist, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Close to 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year causing over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24-hours per day. Of those 40,000 newly diagnosed individuals only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years.
Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth;
Persistent sores in mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks;
A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat.
As with many types of cancers, early detection of oral cancer is essential. Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is one of the few dental practices that use an oral health-screening device, the VELscope that is highly effective in detecting abnormal tissue as well as cancerous and precancerous lesions--including oral cancer.
If you notice any of the mentioned symptoms, contact Smileboston or a health care professional in your area immediately. For more information visit http://www.smileboston.com/
About Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
Founded in 1997 by Prosthodontist Steven D. Spitz, DMD, Smileboston Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry is a full service dental office providing all aspects of dentistry with a focus on dental implants, laser dentistry, aesthetics, and dental rehabilitation. Smileboston has consistently been on the forefront of dental medicine adopting todays most technological advances for patient care. Dr. Spitz's specialized treatment for planning and caring of patients has designated Smileboston as, "one of the most reputable places in Boston for cosmetic procedures," by Boston magazine and a recipient of COUP Boston magazines 2013 Lifestyle Visionary award.
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