Cancer

Importance of cancer screening

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Cancer screening is an essential tool in the fight against cancer. It uses tests or exams to identify the presence of cancer or precancerous conditions in individuals with no symptoms of the disease. Cancer screening aims to detect cancer early when it is most likely to be treated successfully.

Several types of cancer screening tests are available, including mammography for breast cancer, pap tests for cervical cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for prostate cancer, skin exams for skin cancer, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans for lung cancer.

Oral cancer screening is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon during a routine dental examination. The screening involves a visual and tactile examination of the mouth, throat, and neck to look for any abnormalities or signs of cancer. The following steps are typically involved in an oral cancer screening.

Visual examination

The dentist or oral surgeon will visually inspect the inside of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth, looking for any red or white patches or swelling.

Palpation

The dentist or oral surgeon will use their hands to feel for any lumps or abnormalities in the neck, jaw, and lymph nodes.

Use of a bright light or special dye

The dentist or oral surgeon may use a bright light or special dye, such as toluidine blue, to highlight any abnormal tissue in the mouth.

X-rays or other imaging studies

If necessary, the dentist or oral surgeon may order additional imaging studies, such as x-rays or a CT scan, to further evaluate any abnormalities detected during the screening.

It is important to undergo regular oral cancer screenings, as early detection of oral cancer can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.

The benefits of cancer screening are numerous. Early cancer detection can lead to earlier treatment, significantly improving a person’s chances of survival. In some cases, cancer can be cured if it is detected and treated early. In addition, cancer screening can help to reduce the risk of cancer by detecting precancerous conditions that can be treated before they turn into cancer.

However, it is essential to note that cancer screening tests are not foolproof and can sometimes produce false positive or negative results. An incorrect positive impact is when a test indicates the presence of cancer, but further testing reveals that no cancer is present. A false negative effect is when a test fails to detect cancer that is present.

Despite the potential for false results, the benefits of cancer screening far outweigh the potential drawbacks. Individuals need to speak with their healthcare provider about their risk factors for cancer and the appropriate cancer screening tests for their age and gender.

In addition to cancer screening, individuals need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk of developing cancer. This includes maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol intake.

Overall, cancer screening is an important tool in the fight against cancer, and it allows for the early detection of cancer, leading to earlier treatment and improved chances of survival. It is important for individuals to speak with their healthcare provider about their risk factors for cancer and the appropriate cancer screening tests for their age and gender and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Consist of?

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When was the last time you had oral cancer screening? When performing oral cancer screening, the doctor checks for symptoms of cancer in your mouth. Doctors advise patients to have this type of cancer screening at least twice a year so that they can identify signs of mouth cancer early when there is a great possibility that it can be cured. In this article, you will learn everything that goes on during oral cancer screening.

How Is Oral Cancer Done?

First of all, it is important to mention that there isn’t any special preparation needed for oral cancer screening. Actually, this type of screening can easily be performed during your routine dental checkup. When performing oral screening, your dentist or doctor will examine the inside of your mouth to see if there are red or white areas or mouth wounds.

They will use their fingers to feel your mouth tissues. That way, your dentist will notice any lumps or other abnormalities in your mouth that could be signs of cancer. Your doctor may also examine your throat and neck to see if there are lumps or wounds.

Sometimes your dentist will do several special tests before they decisively rule out the possibility of having oral cancer. However, it is not clear if these additional tests have any other benefits over the ordinary oral examination. The special verbal cancer tests include:

  • Oral cancer screening dye: This test involves washing your mouth with a blue dye before the examination. If there are any abnormal cells in your body, they will take up the blue dye and look blue.
  • Oral Cancer Screening Light: This involves shining a special light in your mouth to check for abnormal cells and tissue. The light makes normal tissues in your mouth appear dark and abnormal tissues appear white.

If the doctor discovers signs of cancer in your mouth, they will make several recommendations. For instance, they will ask you to do a follow-up visit after a few weeks to see if the abnormal cells have grown or changed. Secondly, they might recommend you to have a biopsy procedure that involves removing a sample of the abnormal cells for lab testing to check if the cells are cancerous.

This procedure can be performed by your dentist or a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating oral cancer. If you have any questions about oral cancer screening, get in touch with Dr. Kademani immediately.

Dr. Kademani Named One of Minnesota’s Top Doctors

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Dr. Kademani was named one of 2021’s Top Doctors according to a Minnesota Monthly. The statewide survey conducted by Professional Research Services asked not just ordinary people but also peers and other doctors to determine who is deserving of this honor. The survey includes thousands of votes and due to Dr. Kademani’s utmost respect from the community and admiration for his selfless dedication to others, he was voted onto this prestigious list.

SARTELL, MN SEPTEMBER 23: Dr. Deepak Kademani and staff at Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery on September 2020 in Sartell, Minnesota, Credit: Tony Nelson

As listed by Minnesota Monthly, The Top Doctors list perennially serves as the definitive guide for Minnesota’s most influential consumers. This is exceeding outstanding considering the struggles of this past year and the effect it has on medical professionals.

Dr. Kademani is a member of numerous professional societies, including the American College of Surgeons and the American Head and Neck Society. In addition to authoring or co-authoring over one hundred books, abstracts, chapters, monographs, and publications, he has authored two textbook’s ‘Atlas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’ and ‘Improving Outcomes in Oral Cancer’ He has delivered over 300 invited lectures nationally and internationally on a variety of topics, predominantly in head and neck pathology, oral cancer and reconstructive head and neck surgery. He prides himself on delivering the highest quality and compassionate surgical care to his patients.

To learn more about Dr. Kademani, please review his biography listed here.

To book an appointment with our team, please contact us today.

Dr. Kademani Named Best Dentist of 2020 By Minnesota Monthly

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In the November/December edition of Minnesota Monthly, Dr. Kademani, DMD, MD, FACS, and Julie Kline, NP, were featured as the Best Dentists of 2020. As reported by the article, Dr. Kademani has been featured in both Minnesota Monthly’s Top Doctors and Best Dentists lists.

SARTELL, MN SEPTEMBER 23: Dr. Deepak Kademani and staff at Minnesota Oral & Facial Surgery on September 2020 in Sartell, Minnesota, Credit: Tony Nelson

Deepak Kademani, DMD, MD, FACS and his team of dentists practice a full scope of oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery and dental procedures respectively. He completed his dental, medical degrees and surgical residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery education at the University of Pennsylvania. This was followed by a fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery. He was subsequently board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In 2004 he was the recipient of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Faculty Education Development Award.

In his masterful career, Dr. Kademani has treated some of Minnesota’s most complicated and unique cases. He also remains committed to the betterment of the next generation of doctors by authoring over “100 publications and articles including 2 textbooks and given more than 300 lectures nationally and internationally,” as reported by the article in Minnesota Monthly.

Dr. Kademani Leads COVID-19 Webinar at 2021 Delta Dental of Minnesota

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Dr. Kademani lead a webinar at Delta Dental of Minnesota focused on COVID-19 and its implications on head and neck cancer. This lecture allowed Dr. Kademani to speak about the management of head and neck cancer as well as further provide awareness of this disease. Since April was Head and Neck Cancer Awareness month, this lecture brought tremendous insight and information to the local medical and dental community. The three main pillars of this awareness involve Recognition, Celebration, and Advocacy. If you’re interested in learning more or hearing Dr. Kademani’s lecture, the full webinar can be viewed by clicking the video above.

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

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As we approach Head and Neck Cancer Awareness month in April, it is with great excitement that we announce our application for the Minneapolis St. Anthony Falls Bridge lighting has been accepted!  This means that on Sunday, April 4th from sunset to sunrise the bridge will be bathed in burgundy to represent Head and Neck Cancer Awareness.  It should be a pretty spectacular sight!

Our Head & Neck Cancer Foundation was established in 2020 to help our patients, community, dental and medical specialties with issues related to Head and Neck Cancer through philanthropic efforts.

Annually head and neck cancer will affect over 550,000 people worldwide and over 65,000 people in the US. It is our hope that our Foundation will increase awareness and improve education for patients with head and neck cancer in Minnesota.

Now in existence for a year, our organization continues to strive to expand its programs and offerings to the community. We hope that you will be able to take part in one or more of the many exciting events that we are offering this year and experience firsthand the pride we take in supporting our cause. Our mission is to “save lives through education, research, and advocacy.” We have created a dedicated foundation advisory board, started an educational symposium, and established a patient support group. We have an ambitious future agenda to engage community leaders and organizations to raise awareness for head and neck cancer.

In order to meet our mission and provide services in our community, we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses for financial support and partnerships that allow us to reach a wider audience. Without the assistance of community-minded and socially responsible individuals just like you, we wouldn’t be able to serve those in our community each year. We ask that you consider a commitment to support our annual appeal by making a modest financial donation. We are also looking for organizational platforms to help us educate our community on the importance of early detection and screening for head and neck cancer. Your generosity will make a difference in our community by allowing us to continue this important work…. that will save lives.

Thank you in advance for your support! If you want to learn more or offer a donation, please visit our Head and Neck Foundation page located HERE.

Oral Cancer: Detection, Treatment and Post-therapeutic Management

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Dr. Deepak Kademani will be leading a virtual course offered through the University of Minnesota on Friday, November 6 to discuss oral cancer detection, treatment, and post-therapeutic management.

While oral cancer is one of the most treatable of the major cancers, when discovered and managed early, the rate of impacted patients is rising dramatically. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to screen patients and detect oral cancer in its early, treatable stage.

Topics covered will include:

  1. Oral cancer incidence and at-risk populations
  2. Identification and differentiation of lesions in the oral cavity
  3. Recommendations for action when suspicious lesions are found
  4. Rationale, determination, and description of various treatment alternatives
  5. Complications from cancer therapies
  6. Management of post-therapeutic complications in the dental office

If you wish to learn more or if you want to register for the upcoming session, please click HERE.

 

Signs That You Need an Oral Cancer Screening

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Oral cancer is increasingly becoming rampant around the world, affecting people of all ages. This type of cancer affects different parts of the oral structure, including lips, cheeks, tongue, palates, sinuses, pharynx, and the mouth floor. If it is not detected and treated early, this type of cancer can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to go for regular oral cancer screening so that the doctor can detect the tumor before it develops into cancer.

But even if you go for regular checkups, there are specific symptoms that should raise eyebrows and compel you to go for immediate oral cancer screening. Here are some of the possible signs of oral cancer that should get you worried.

Swellings and Lumps

While not every swelling or lump in your mouth is cancerous, it is important to see the doctor. The examination if there is a mysterious lump in your mouth that does not respond positively to anti-inflammatory medication or any other related medical intervention. When you go to the doctor, a series of medical examinations, including cancer screening, will be done to determine the swelling cause.

White and Red Patches in Your Mouth

If you notice a combination of white and reddish patches in your unexplainable mouth, see a doctor immediately. Such patches are commonly referred to as erythroleukoplakia and are brought by the abnormal growth of cells in your mouth that will likely become cancerous. It should even be of more concern to you if the patches last for more than two weeks.

Unexplained Gum Bleeding

It is normal to have occasional bleeding of your gums, especially after brushing your teeth vigorously or wearing dentures. However, frequent bleeding of gums can indicate more serious health problems, including blood cancer (leukemia), advanced gum disease, etc. Therefore, it is vital to have yourself screened for cancer immediately.

Persistent Sores

Persistent sores in your mouth, lips, gums, and throat that easily bleed and don’t go away after two weeks could sign oral cancer. Persistent lumps may accompany these sores in your lymph glands in your neck. They may also make swallowing difficulty and cause your voice to change.

In summary, the safest way to detect and deal with oral cancer is to go for regular cancer screenings. Also, while you may have one or a couple of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean that you have cancer. The best way to establish whether you have the disease or not is to go for screening.

Story of Oral Cancer Caused by HPV

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Shortly after getting married, Steve learned he had an oral cancer caused by HPV. Steve and his wife want parents to protect their children from HPV-related cancers by getting them vaccinated.