Each year, the American Cancer Society reports that more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the United States, with over 7,000 of these cases tragically resulting in death.
However, there's encouraging news: oral cancer can be easily detected through annual oral cancer examinations and is highly treatable when caught in its earliest stages.
Understanding oral cancer begins with recognizing that it's a pathologic process that often starts without obvious symptoms. During these early, asymptomatic stages, the typical warning signs of cancer may not be readily apparent to patients. This silent progression makes professional oral cancer examinations by your dentist absolutely critical for early detection and successful treatment.
Oral cancers can manifest in various forms, including teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. However, the most common type is malignant squamous cell carcinoma, which typically originates in the tissues of the lips and mouth.
These cancers can develop in multiple areas throughout the oral cavity and maxillofacial region, including:
One of the most significant aspects of oral cancer is that approximately 75 percent of cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle behaviors, including smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. As your dental care team in Delray Beach, we're committed to providing education and resources to help you make positive lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation support when needed.
Early-stage diagnosis is crucial because oral cancer treatment is generally very effective when the disease is caught early. Any noticeable changes or abnormalities in your tongue, gums, mouth, or surrounding areas should be evaluated by a healthcare professional promptly.
During your oral cancer examination, our team will carefully scrutinize your maxillofacial and oral regions, looking for any signs of pathologic changes that could indicate developing problems.
Our comprehensive oral cancer examination focuses on identifying several key warning signs:
Red Patches and Persistent Sores We carefully examine red patches on the floor of your mouth, the front and sides of your tongue, and any white or pink patches that fail to heal properly. Slow-healing sores that bleed easily can indicate pathologic changes that require immediate attention.
Leukoplakia These hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesions can appear anywhere inside your mouth. While not always cancerous initially, leukoplakia has the potential to become malignant if left untreated, making early identification and monitoring essential.
Unusual Lumps or Tissue Changes We check for soreness, lumps, or general thickening of tissue anywhere in your throat or mouth, as these changes can signal developing pathological problems that need professional evaluation.
Your oral cancer examination is completely painless and utilizes both traditional examination techniques and advanced technology for the most thorough screening possible.
During the visual portion of your examination, we carefully inspect all areas of your mouth for any abnormalities. We also palpate your face, glands, and neck to detect any unusual bumps or swelling that might indicate problems.
Our practice utilizes cutting-edge laser technology that can highlight pathologic changes invisible to the naked eye. This advanced tool allows us to "see" below the surface, identifying abnormal signs and lesions that traditional examination methods might miss.
If we discover any abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia, or lumps during your examination, we'll immediately develop a diagnostic plan and treatment strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Should initial treatment prove ineffective, we may recommend a biopsy of the affected area. This biopsy includes a comprehensive clinical evaluation that identifies the precise stage and grade of any oral lesion, providing the detailed information necessary for effective treatment planning.
Oral cancer is definitively diagnosed when the basement membrane of the epithelium has been compromised. Malignant cancers can rapidly spread to other areas within the oral and maxillofacial regions, creating additional secondary health threats that require immediate attention.
Treatment approaches vary based on the specific diagnosis but may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The key to successful treatment lies in early detection and prompt intervention.
While we examine your mouth for changes and lesions during your regular bi-annual checkups, we strongly recommend scheduling a dedicated, comprehensive oral cancer screening at least once each year. This focused examination provides the thorough evaluation necessary to catch potential problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.
Living in South Florida, you have access to advanced oral cancer screening technology and experienced professionals who understand the importance of early detection. Don't wait for symptoms to appear—many of the most treatable oral cancers are discovered during routine screenings before patients notice any problems.
Your annual oral cancer screening is a simple, painless procedure that could literally save your life. Combined with positive lifestyle choices and regular dental care, this proactive approach to oral health gives you the best possible protection against oral cancer.
Schedule your comprehensive oral cancer screening today and take an important step toward protecting your long-term health and well-being.
Phone: (561) 272-5858 Fax: (561) 272-5615 Address: 505 S.E. 6th Ave., Suite A Delray Beach, Fl 33483
Hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Friday: 8:00 A.M. - 12 P.M.