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Oral Cancer Screening
Early Detection Can Make a Meaningful Difference
Oral cancer screenings help identify unusual changes early, supporting timely evaluation and better long-term oral health.
Oral cancer is a serious and often deadly disease that affects millions of people every year. But did you know that early detection can significantly improve your chances of survival? That’s where oral cancer screening comes in. At our dental office, we offer comprehensive screening services to help detect and diagnose oral cancer in its earliest stages. By taking just a few minutes out of your regular dental check-up to undergo a screening, you could potentially save your life. Don’t let oral cancer go undetected – schedule your screening today and take the first step towards protecting your health and wellbeing.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
What To Expect During An Oral Cancer Screening
Expect Questions
Your dentist will ask about symptoms such as mouth sores, swallowing problems, voice changes, or discomfort. They may also review habits like tobacco or alcohol use.
Expect a Visual Exam
Your dentist will carefully examine your lips, gums, tongue, palate, throat, and cheeks, looking for sores, discoloration, texture changes, or unusual tissue areas.
Expect Palpation
Your dentist may gently feel your mouth, jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to check for swelling, tenderness, lumps, bumps, or any abnormal growths.
Expect Advanced Screening
Your dentist may use VELscope or ViziLite technology to highlight tissue changes that may not be clearly visible during a standard visual exam.
Expect Further Testing
If a suspicious area is found, your dentist may recommend an oral brush biopsy to collect a small tissue sample for closer evaluation.
Expect a Specialist Referral
If anything concerning is detected, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon or oncologist for further diagnosis, guidance, and possible treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Or Signs Of Oral Cancer?
- Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal
- Red or white patches on the tongue or gums
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Chronic hoarseness or sore throat
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth or tongue
- Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit properly
If you experience any of these symptoms or signs, it’s important to schedule a consultation for an oral cancer screening and dental exam.
How To Screen For Oral Cancer At Home
- Start by standing in front of a well-lit mirror and opening your mouth wide.
- Use your fingers to feel for any lumps, bumps or changes in texture on the roof of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, and gums.
- Check the inside of your lips and look for any sores, ulcers, or white or red patches.
- Check the back of your throat and tonsils for any lumps, bumps or changes in texture.
- Examine your neck and jaw area for any swelling or lumps that are not normally present.
- Repeat this examination once a month and keep a record of any changes or abnormalities that you notice.
An at-home oral cancer screening is not a substitute for regular dental check-ups with a healthcare professional. If you notice any changes or abnormalities during an at-home screening, it is important to schedule an appointment with a dental or healthcare professional as soon as possible for a thorough examination and diagnosis.
Advanced Tools For Oral Cancer Detection
What Is VELscope And ViziLite Technology?
The VELscope system uses a special blue light that highlights abnormal tissue in the mouth. The light causes healthy tissue to fluoresce, while abnormal tissue appears dark. This technology can help identify precancerous and cancerous lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. The VELscope system is a non-invasive and painless diagnostic tool that can be used during routine dental check-ups.
The ViziLite system is another technology that uses a blue light to detect abnormal tissue in the mouth. A special rinse is used to temporarily stain abnormal tissue, which appears white under the blue light. This technology can also help detect precancerous and cancerous lesions in the mouth. Like the VELscope system, the ViziLite system is a useful diagnostic tool that is suitable for use during routine dental check-ups.
Both the VELscope and ViziLite systems are effective diagnostic tools for the early detection of oral cancer. These technologies can help detect oral cancer in its early stages, when it is more treatable and has a higher chance of successful outcomes. In addition to early detection, these technologies can also reduce the need for invasive biopsies, which can be uncomfortable and costly.
What Is A Dental Brush Biopsy?
A dental brush biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that is sometimes used to diagnose oral lesions or suspicious growths in the mouth. It involves the use of a small, soft brush that is gently rubbed against the area of concern to collect a sample of cells.
The collected cells are then sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous or precancerous. A dental brush biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in the dentist’s office and usually does not require any anesthesia.
Dental brush biopsies are often used to diagnose oral lesions that are too small to be seen with the naked eye or that do not appear to be cancerous based on a visual examination. They are also used to monitor the growth of lesions over time and to determine the effectiveness of treatment.
While dental brush biopsies can be a useful diagnostic tool, they are not always conclusive and may need to be followed up with a more invasive biopsy or other diagnostic tests. It is important to discuss any concerns about oral lesions with a dental or healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but those at higher risk include individuals who smoke or use tobacco products, consume excessive alcohol, or have a family history of cancer.
It is recommended to get an oral cancer screening at least once a year during your routine dental check-up.
No, an oral cancer screening is typically painless and only takes a few minutes to complete.
An oral cancer screening is typically performed by a dentist or healthcare professional, who will examine your mouth for any signs or symptoms of oral cancer.
Yes. At our Reseda dental office we offer oral cancer screening to patients in Reseda and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Yes. Regular oral cancer screenings can help identify abnormal tissue changes at an early stage, when further evaluation and treatment may be more effective.
Why Patients Love Dr. Alla Rapoport
Patients trust Dr. Alla Rapoport for gentle care, personalized treatment, and healthy smiles for the whole family.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Take the first step toward a healthier smile by scheduling your visit with our friendly dental team today.
