Oral cancer is a serious condition that can affect the mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. When detected early, treatment outcomes are significantly more successful. At Aventura Dentistry, we provide comprehensive oral cancer screenings as part of routine dental care to help identify potential concerns at the earliest, most treatable stages.
An oral cancer screening takes only a few minutes during your dental visit, yet it can play a critical role in protecting your long-term health. Proactive screening may truly be life-saving.
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer remains a growing public health concern in the United States, with tens of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. While tobacco and alcohol use are known risk factors, oral cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in individuals without traditional risks, including younger adults. Men are statistically at a higher risk, but anyone can be affected.
An oral cancer screening is a preventive evaluation performed by your dentist to identify abnormal tissue changes that may indicate early cancer or precancerous conditions. Early detection allows for prompt referral and treatment before the disease progresses.
How an Oral Cancer Screening Is Performed
During your screening, your dentist carefully examines the soft tissues of the mouth and surrounding areas, including:
- Lips and cheeks
- Tongue (top, sides, and underside)
- Gums and palate
- Throat and floor of the mouth
- Neck and jaw area
The dentist looks for changes in color, texture, symmetry, or tissue thickness and gently feels for unusual lumps or swelling.
Patients with higher risk factors—such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, or family history—may be advised to undergo screenings more frequently.
What to Expect During Your Screening
Health & Symptom Review
Your dentist may ask about symptoms such as persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, or discomfort in the mouth or throat. Lifestyle factors and medical history are also reviewed.
Visual Examination
A thorough visual inspection is performed to detect lesions, discoloration, or tissue irregularities that may not be noticeable to patients.
Physical Palpation
The dentist gently examines the neck, jaw, and oral tissues to feel for lumps, firmness, or tenderness that could indicate underlying concerns.
Advanced Screening Technology
In some cases, enhanced screening tools such as VELscope® or ViziLite® may be used. These technologies use specialized light to highlight abnormal tissue patterns that may not be visible under normal lighting.
Biopsy or Referral (If Needed)
If a suspicious area is identified, your dentist may recommend a brush biopsy or refer you to an oral surgeon or specialist for further evaluation.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Schedule an evaluation if you notice any of the following:
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained oral bleeding
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Lumps or thickened areas in the mouth, jaw, or neck
- Numbness in the tongue or mouth
- Loose teeth without obvious cause
Early evaluation is essential—do not ignore persistent symptoms.
At-Home Oral Cancer Self-Checks
While professional screenings are essential, monthly self-exams can help you notice changes early.
How to perform a self-check:
- Stand in front of a well-lit mirror
- Inspect your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth
- Feel for lumps, thickened areas, or texture changes
- Check your neck and jaw for swelling
- Track and report any changes that last longer than two weeks
Self-exams are not a replacement for professional screenings but can support early detection.
VELscope® and ViziLite® Screening Technology
Advanced screening tools enhance early detection:
- VELscope® uses blue-spectrum light to differentiate healthy tissue from abnormal tissue patterns.
- ViziLite® uses a special rinse and blue light to highlight suspicious areas.
Both methods are painless, non-invasive, and can improve early identification of precancerous changes while reducing unnecessary biopsies.
What Is a Dental Brush Biopsy?
A brush biopsy is a minimally invasive diagnostic test used when abnormal tissue requires further evaluation. A small brush collects surface cells from the area, which are then analyzed in a laboratory.
This procedure:
- Requires no anesthesia
- Is quick and comfortable
- Helps determine if further testing is needed
>Brush biopsies may be followed by additional testing if results are inconclusive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings
Protect Your Health — Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Early detection can make all the difference. Contact Aventura Dentistry to schedule your oral cancer screening and take a proactive step toward protecting your health and well-being.
