Oral Cancer Screening
in Orlando, FL

Our dental office in Orlando provides oral cancer screenings to detect abnormal tissues. Cancer can affect any mouth area and lead to severe complications, so catching it early improves outcomes. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Maali and Dr. Duque, perform thorough screenings using visual exams, palpation, and innovative technology. Detecting precancerous growth prevents progression into more advanced cancer forms requiring complex surgery. Early screening allows patients to receive light treatment and enjoy their lives with perfect oral health.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is
Oral Cancer?

Cancer can affect any area of the body, including the mouth. Research shows that more than 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Only 68% of them survive for five years after diagnosis. These relatively poor outcomes are primarily a result of late screening.

Like with all cancers, patients have a much higher chance of recovering from oral cancer if it is detected early. However, in many cases, the signs of the disease are not spotted until they have advanced – often after the disease has metastasized to other areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes. Once cancer has spread, it is much harder to treat it successfully.

Since the symptoms can be difficult to identify, it is strongly recommended that patients visit a dentist for regular oral cancer screenings. Our experienced specialists, Dr. Maali and Dr. Duque, incorporate such procedures into every routine check-up appointment.

What Is the Cause of Oral Cancer?

The underlying cause of oral cancer is unknown. Nevertheless, some factors make people more likely to develop the disease. These include a weakened immune system, smoking and chewing tobacco, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and having a human papillomavirus (HPV).

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Detecting oral cancer can be tricky. Nevertheless, people should be aware of the common signs and symptoms of this disease. If an individual notices any of the following, we strongly recommend that they make an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible:

Sudden changes in voice, including pitch, lisp, or hoarseness

A lump, bump, or rough spot in the mouth

Unexplained bleeding from the mouth

Red or white patches in the mouth

A persistent feeling that there is a lump in the back of the throat

A lingering sore throat

Sores in or around the mouth that bleed easily and don’t appear to be healing

Difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or chewing

Persistent numbness on the lips or tongue

Limited mobility of the mouth, jaw, or tongue

A sudden change in the way teeth fit together during biting

Oral Cancer Screening procedure

In most instances, oral cancer screening involves a comprehensive physical examination of the mouth and its structures. This means checking for rough patches, lumps, bumps, or growths. Dr. Maali and Dr. Duque may ask a series of questions that are designed to reveal whether the patient has any concerning symptoms. We also use ultraviolet (UV) technology to detect cancer cells in some cases. Once the dentist has performed the oral screening, they can refer the patient to an oncologist. Here is a detailed overview of the procedure:

Visual Examination

The dentist begins by visually inspecting the patient's face, neck, lips, and oral cavity. They look for any asymmetry, swelling, discoloration, or unusual growths. The examination includes checking the inside of the cheeks, tongue, gums, palate, and throat for any abnormalities or suspicious lesions.

Palpation

After visual examination, the dentist uses their hands to gently feel the patient's face, jaw, and neck area. This step helps detect any lumps, bumps, or unusual textures beneath the skin that may not be visible to the naked eye. The doctor also palpates (touches) the floor of the mouth and the lymph nodes to check for swelling or tenderness.

Intraoral Examination

The dentist then conducts a more detailed examination of the oral cavity using specialized tools. We may use a dental mirror and light to inspect hard-to-see areas, such as the back of the tongue and the sides of the tonsils. The provider looks for red or white patches, sores, or other abnormalities indicating potential cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions.

Tongue Examination

Special attention is given to examining the tongue, as it is a common site for oral cancer. The dentist asks the patient to stick out their tongue and move it from side to side. They inspect its surface, sides, and bottom for unusual bumps, discoloration, or texture changes.

Fluorescent Visualization

Sand Lake Dental uses UV technology for fluorescent visualization. Our tools emit a special blue light that causes abnormal tissues to appear differently than healthy ones. The provider shines this UV light into the patient's mouth, looking for potentially problematic areas.

Oral Cytology

If suspicious growths are found during the visual examination, Dr. Maali and Dr. Duque may perform an oral cytology test. This involves gently scraping cells from the target area using a small brush or spatula. The collected tissue is then sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to determine whether it is abnormal and potentially cancerous.

Toluidine Blue Staining

We may also use a special material called toluidine blue. This substance is applied to suspicious zones in the mouth and tends to stick to abnormal cells more readily than healthy ones. After rinsing, any areas that retain the blue color may indicate potentially pre-cancerous conditions and require further investigation.

Can Oral Cancer Be Treated?

The good news is that if oral cancer is detected early enough, it can be treated fairly successfully. This usually involves an operation to remove the affected tissues and ensure that malignant cells have not spread throughout the oral cavity. However, if the disease is more advanced, surgery may be combined with additional therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. With early detection, most patients can expect successful treatment and recovery.

Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening

Catching oral cancer in its early stages is critical for effective healing and survival. Screening provides several key benefits:

Early detection

Our assessments aim to identify abnormal growths in the early stages when they are easiest to treat successfully.

Prevention of progression

Catching precancerous oral lesions prevents them from progressing into cancer that could spread.

Less invasive treatment

When the disease is detected early, less radical surgery is required. Small tumors can be removed without significant treatment or disfigurement.

Improved quality of life

Early oral screening helps address common symptoms and underlying issues, improving health and making patients secure and happier.

Increased survival rates

Patients have an 80% higher chance of recovering if their condition is treated early.

Cost of
Oral Cancer Screening

The cost of oral cancer screening in Orlando, FL, ranges from $50 to $150. Dental insurance, which can cover some expenses, is the main factor influencing the price. Sand Lake Dental offers comprehensive screenings, which can be cheaper with our club membership and special promotions.

What Makes Our Oral Cancer Screenings Different From Others?

Sand Lake Dental prides itself on its thorough oral cancer screenings, which are more comprehensive than in other dental offices in Orlando. During a routine check-up, Dr. Maali and Dr. Duque carefully examine all soft tissues in the mouth, including under the tongue and along the insides of the cheeks, for any abnormalities. We utilize advanced screening technology to detect early signs of disease that may not be visible to the naked eye. We aim to help our patients avoid complications and stay healthy and happy.

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Oral Cancer Screening in Orlando, FL

What is Oral Cancer?