A Commitment to Early Detection and Overall Wellness
At Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Alexandria, VA, Dr. Janice Isabella E. Dionisio and her entire dental team offer a holistic approach to your dental care. We are not only dedicated to perfecting your smile, but we are also deeply committed to your overall wellness. Because of this comprehensive view of your health, an essential oral cancer screening is integrated as a part of every regular dental exam. This quick, simple cancer screening procedure is one of the most vital screening tests we perform, as it focuses on early detection of a disease that can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Our primary goal is to ensure that you are protected against developing oral cancer. The oral cavity—which includes the tongue, lips, gums, cheek lining, the roof of your mouth, and the throat—is susceptible to various forms of mouth cancer. By making oral cancer screening a routine part of your visit, we have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of oral cancer and precancerous conditions are identified long before they become complex cancer treatment issues.
Protect your health today with a thorough free cancer screening. Call our Alexandria, VA dental office to schedule your routine exam. Call Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at (703) 672-0664.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity Cancer
We are trained to look for subtle symptoms and signs that may indicate the presence of oral cancer or other abnormalities. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. Early warning signs can be easy to overlook, which is why routine screening is so essential for every patient, regardless of age or perceived risk.
The most common symptoms and signs of oral cancer often involve changes in the tissue lining the mouth, and they include:
- Red or white patches or sores anywhere in the oral cavity. These can appear on the tongue or gums and are often precancerous conditions.
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal within two weeks. This persistent sore is one of the most telling signs.
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot of tissue in the mouth or neck.
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.
If you notice any of these abnormalities, contact our dentist immediately, even if your next regular dental checkups appointment is months away.
The Screening Process: Detecting Oral Cancer Early
Our team is trained in a simple, quick oral cancer screening that involves an extensive exam of your oral cavity as a whole, and not just your teeth, to detect oral cancer early. The process is fast, non-invasive, and critical for your well-being. Dr. Dionisio visually checks the inside of your mouth, looking for any unusual red or white patches or suspicious lesions.
In addition to the visual inspection, we will also carefully feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities or lumps in the lymph nodes of your neck. If we find cancer or an area of concern, we may recommend further testing. This often involves a simple brush test, which collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If this test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a tissue biopsy for a definitive oral cancer diagnosis. Early intervention can dramatically increase the likelihood of successful treatment.
Prevention and Understanding Risk Factors
Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer. It’s crucial to understand that while anyone can develop oral cavity cancer, certain behaviors and risk factors significantly increase the probability.
The single best way to reduce your risk is to avoid all chewing tobacco and smoking products and only drink alcohol in moderation. Other steps include maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, and limiting your exposure to the sun by wearing UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips. Studies from institutions like the National Cancer Institute have also highlighted the increasing prevalence of throat cancers linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), making vaccination and awareness of this risk factor vital for younger patient demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early detection is crucial because when oral cancer is found early, the cure rate and chances of successful treatment are significantly higher. If the cancer is localized to the oral cavity and has not spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, the five-year survival rate is very high. Delaying the evaluation allows cancer cells to spread, often requiring more complex radiation therapy or surgery.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults receive a professional oral cancer screening annually. At Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we automatically include this screening as part of your regular dental checkups—typically every six months. If you have significant risk factors (such as a history of heavy tobacco use or a prior cancer diagnosis), Dr. Dionisio may recommend a more frequent follow up visit for further evaluation.
If the dentist identifies abnormal tissue or a suspicious lesion, the first step is typically a non-invasive brush test to collect cells for analysis. If the lab results suggest a potential problem, we will recommend a definitive biopsy. While any diagnosis of cancer is serious, it means the issue was detected early, opening the door to prompt and effective treatment options. We will coordinate with specialists for cancer treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy to ensure you receive the best care path.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Alexandria, VA
Maintaining your oral health goes beyond clean teeth and a beautiful smile; it involves protecting you from life threatening diseases. Dr. Janice Isabella E. Dionisio and her team are here to provide the peace of mind that comes with a thorough oral cancer screening.
During your next dental appointment, be sure to ask your Alexandria dentist near you to perform this critical oral exam. Call Ma’s Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today at (703) 672-0664 to schedule your comprehensive checkup and screening.