Preventive Dentistry

Oral Cancer Screening in Bel Air, MD: Early Detection at Every Visit

Oral cancer is one of the most survivable cancers when caught early, with a five-year survival rate above 80 percent for localized cases. When caught late, that number drops dramatically. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, Dr. Joshua Englander performs an oral cancer screening at every comprehensive exam, adding just a few minutes to your appointment that could make a significant difference.

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What Is an Oral Cancer Screening and What Does It Include?

An oral cancer screening is a systematic visual and physical examination of all the soft tissues in and around the mouth. Dr. Englander examines the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, gums, palate, and the back of the throat. He looks and feels for any changes that fall outside the normal range: unusual sores, white or red patches, thickening of the tissue, lumps, or areas that bleed without cause. He also checks the neck and lymph nodes for any swelling. The screening adds about two to three minutes to your exam and is completely painless.

Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?

While oral cancer can occur in anyone, certain factors increase risk significantly. Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, is the single largest risk factor. Heavy alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco use, multiplies the risk. Human papillomavirus, specifically the HPV 16 strain, is now recognized as a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers affecting the back of the throat and base of the tongue in people who have never smoked. Prolonged sun exposure affecting the lips, a history of any head or neck cancer, and being over the age of 40 are also risk factors. That said, about a quarter of oral cancer cases occur in people with no known risk factors at all, which is why routine screening matters for everyone.

What Happens If Dr. Englander Finds Something Concerning?

Finding something unusual during a screening does not mean you have cancer. The majority of abnormalities are benign and resolve on their own. If Dr. Englander sees an area that concerns him, he will typically ask you to return in two weeks to see if it has changed. Many tissue irritations, canker sores, and minor trauma sites clear up within that timeframe. If an abnormality persists after monitoring, he may recommend a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is sent to a pathology lab for analysis. The biopsy result is the only definitive way to determine whether cells are cancerous.

What Are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer I Should Know About?

Beyond your dental exams, it is worth knowing what to look for on your own. See a dentist or doctor promptly if you notice a sore in the mouth or on the lip that has not healed after two weeks, a red or white patch anywhere in the mouth, a lump or thickened area in the cheek, tongue, or throat, difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness, unexplained bleeding in the mouth, numbness in any area of the mouth, tongue, or face, or a sore throat that has not resolved. Most of these symptoms have innocent explanations, but they should be evaluated without delay when they persist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening

How often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Every dental exam includes a screening at Elevated Smiles, which for most patients means twice a year. Patients with elevated risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, or a prior cancer history may benefit from more frequent monitoring.

Is oral cancer screening painful?

Not at all. The screening is entirely visual and involves light palpation of the soft tissues. There are no needles, instruments, or discomfort involved.

Is there a specific oral cancer screening test or device used?

Various adjunctive technologies exist, including VELscope and other light-based screening tools, but the evidence for their superiority over a thorough visual exam is mixed. Dr. Englander performs a comprehensive clinical examination and will recommend adjunctive screening if he believes it adds value in your specific case.

Can my family doctor do an oral cancer screening?

Physicians do examine the throat and mouth during physical exams, but dental professionals are specifically trained in the systematic examination of all oral soft tissues. Regular dental visits remain the most reliable opportunity for thorough oral cancer screening.

Is oral cancer screening covered by dental insurance?

Oral cancer screening is included as part of your comprehensive dental exam, which most insurance plans cover at 100 percent. There is no additional charge for the screening at Elevated Smiles.
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