Oral Cancer Awareness
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Cathy Santone, Dr. Megan Dietz, and all of us here at Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry would like to encourage you to invest in your health by scheduling an oral cancer screening with our VELscope® Vx oral cancer screening technology. This quick, affordable screening can be included as a part of your routine dental cleanings for optimal convenience.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 60,480 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2026. When oral cancer is identified early, treatment options are often more effective and less invasive. This is one of the main reasons dental professionals emphasize regular screenings, even for patients who feel healthy and have no noticeable symptoms.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to abnormal cell growth that develops in the mouth or surrounding tissues. It can affect areas such as the lips, tongue, gums, or the roof and floor of the mouth. It may also extend to the throat or tonsils.
Like many forms of cancer, oral cancer can develop gradually and may not cause pain or noticeable changes at first. Because of this, it can sometimes go undetected without a professional evaluation.
During an oral cancer screening, dentists look for irregularities in the soft tissues of the mouth. These may include changes in color, texture, or the presence of unusual lesions. Identifying these changes early allows for further evaluation and, if necessary, prompt treatment.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
While Dr. Santone and Dr. Dietz recommend routine screenings for all patients, they particularly encourage patients with additional risk factors to undergo an exam. These risk factors include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Drinking alcohol
- Using marijuana
- HPV exposure
- Poor oral hygiene or diet
- Unprotected sun exposure
Additionally, oral cancer is more common among patients who are 45 or older.
It’s important to note that oral cancer can still occur in individuals without any of these risk factors. In recent years, cases linked to HPV have become more prevalent, affecting a wider range of patients, including those who may not use tobacco or alcohol. This makes routine screenings valuable for everyone, regardless of lifestyle or age group.
What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on the location and stage of the condition. In some cases, individuals may not notice any symptoms at all in the early stages. As the condition progresses, changes may become more apparent.
Common signs may include persistent sores that do not heal, unusual lumps or thickened areas in the mouth, or patches that appear white or red. Some patients may also experience difficulty chewing or swallowing, changes in speech, bad breath, coughing, or a lingering sore throat.
Because many of these symptoms can also be associated with less serious conditions, it’s essential not to self-diagnose. If something feels unusual or does not improve over time, a professional evaluation can help determine the cause and provide peace of mind.
What to Expect From Your Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is designed to be quick and easy to incorporate into your routine dental visit. We begin with a visual and physical examination of the mouth, checking for any irregularities in the tissues.
In addition to this exam, our state-of-the-art VELscope® Vx technology can help detect potential signs not visible to the naked eye. Screenings typically take around two minutes, and the device uses a specialized blue light to expose growths in a non-invasive and painless fashion. The blue light helps us to see things we can‘t see with the white light and our naked eyes. This enhanced visibility allows our dentists to identify subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed during a standard exam. If anything unusual is detected, we can recommend the next steps, which may include monitoring the area or referring you for further evaluation.
We’re on Your Side
Oral cancer is a very serious disease, but annual screenings can help ensure patients receive timely treatment. At Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry, we care deeply about our patients, which is why we are committed to spreading awareness about oral cancer. We strongly encourage all of our patients to be proactive about their health by scheduling a screening.
If you have any questions about the oral cancer screening process, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Santone or Dr. Dietz, please contact Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry today.
Medical Resources for Oral Cancer Awareness:
Editor’s note: This blog was originally posted on March 29th, 2021.