Did you know that oral cancers are a growing health concern among adults today? Although your risk increases after the age of 45, oral cancers are diagnosed in younger people every year. Understanding your risk factors and being screened at routine dental care visits will significantly reduce your risk of a late-stage diagnosis and poor prognosis. Early detection often means that a conservative treatment plan will be effective and restore your health. We provide an oral cancer screening in our Annapolis, MD, dental office as part of our general dentistry services.
Screening with ViziLite
An oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and highly effective at spotting early warning signs. Dr. Vernon Sheen augments your visual screening with digital technology. He uses the ViziLite Pro to scan your mouth and all soft tissues. The blue-light technology in ViziLite Pro can identify abnormalities in your oral tissues, such as tiny lesions that are not visible to the naked eye or growths palpable in a head and neck exam. He performs this screening at your bi-annual dental exams provides peace of mind when it comes to detecting oral cancers.
What are Common Oral Cancer Risk Factors?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but you want to be aware of key risk factors. Some patients are more at risk of this problem for many reasons. These include:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Chewing tobacco and pipe-smoking
- Vaping
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Having the HPV virus
If you’re concerned that you have an increased risk for oral cancer or if oral cancer runs in your family, talk with Dr. Sheen. He can work with you to address and minimize your risk. He recommends screenings twice a year for patients at risk for oral cancers. Dr. Sheen wants to monitor the condition of your oral health and offer early detection.
Symptoms of Oral Cancers
We want our patients to understand their risks for oral cancer and to know common symptoms that can arise and should be evaluated promptly. Signs of oral cancer that
- Changes in your mouth, such as increased difficulty chewing comfortably or moving the tongue.
- Patches in the cheeks and gums that appear red or white.
- Rough areas develop in or around the mouth and lips.
- A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal.
- Bleeding in the mouth with no apparent cause.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Sheen if you notice any changes in the appearance or comfort of your mouth. A dental exam and possible screening could be life-saving and put you on the path to healing.
FAQs
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about your oral cancer screening in our Annapolis dentist office.
At what age should I start getting regular oral cancer screenings?
Adults should start regular oral cancer screenings by age 18, especially if they use tobacco or alcohol. By age 40, all adults should have annual screenings, even without risk factors. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Dr. Sheen can easily incorporate screenings into regular dental checkups.
What happens if something abnormal is found during my oral cancer screening?
If something unusual is detected, your dentist will likely recommend a follow-up or biopsy to investigate further. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample to check for cancer cells. Depending on the results, Dr. Sheen might refer you to a specialist for additional testing or treatment. Early evaluation helps catch any serious issues before they progress.
Can oral cancer develop even if I’ve never smoked or used tobacco?
Yes, oral cancer can develop even without tobacco use. Other risk factors include heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure to the lips, and poor oral hygiene. Oral cancer can also occur in people without obvious risk factors. Regular screenings are important regardless of your lifestyle.
How does oral cancer differ from throat or laryngeal cancer?
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, or gums. Throat (pharyngeal) and laryngeal cancers affect areas further back, such as the voice box or throat area behind the mouth. Although risk factors like smoking and HPV overlap, symptoms and treatment approaches often differ. Dentists screen primarily for oral cancer. Throat cancers often require an examination by a specialist like an ENT doctor.
Are men or women more at risk for developing oral cancer?
Men are generally more likely to develop oral cancer than women, historically, at a rate about twice as high. This may be because of higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use among men. But incidence among women is rising, partly because of increased HPV-related oral cancers. Regular screenings and awareness are still important regardless of gender.
Can oral cancer be passed genetically through families?
Genetics may play a role in oral cancer risk, but most oral cancers are linked primarily to lifestyle factors like tobacco use, alcohol, and HPV infection. Family history can slightly increase your risk when combined with other factors. If you have a close family member with oral cancer, mention it to your dentist to ensure diligent monitoring.
Is ViziLite screening safe and effective for long-term use?
Yes. ViziLite is a safe, painless, and non-invasive screening method approved by the FDA for oral cancer detection. It uses a special light to help spot abnormal tissue changes early. While effective as an adjunct tool, it doesn’t replace a traditional visual and physical exam by Dr. Sheen. Regular use of ViziLite and standard screenings can enhance early detection and long-term oral health monitoring.
Is an oral cancer screening painful or uncomfortable?
No, you won’t feel pain or discomofrt when you get your oral cancer screening. The exam is quick and non-invasive, meaning nothing sharp or painful is used. Dr. Sheen simply looks inside your mouth and uses ViziLite technology, which shines a special blue light to check for changes in your oral tissues. Most patients say it feels just like a regular dental checkup and gives them peace of mind about their health.
Request a Visit
Get a preventative oral screening from Annapolis, Maryland dentist Dr. Sheen. Call (443) 482-5202 today. You can also request an appointment with us online.