Oral Cancer Screening Oral cancer can affect your oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx. Following each of your routine dental cleanings, which occur every six months, we will provide a dental exam. One very important component of this exam is the oral cancer screening. At Smile Makers Dental Center, we provide this to all of our patients as a precaution. We will also tell you about how you can screen for symptoms at home, as well as provide information on follow-up testing if necessary.Self-ScreeningSelf-screening does not take more than a few minutes and should be completed at least once a month. Use a flashlight to examine each part of your mouth and take note of any discoloration, lesions, sores, or any other unusual appearances. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately. Early detection can greatly increase the chances of survival. This disease is not always fatal, but it can be. Basic Oral Cancer ScreeningOur dentist will provide a screening that is very similar to the self-checks you do at home. We will observe the soft tissues of your mouth and take note of any lesions, sores, white or red patches, and other symptoms. After that, the dentist will use their hands to feel your neck and jaw. Here, we are checking for soft tissue growths that are not visible by simply looking at the neck. Additional TestingThere are four common tests that are used for a more detailed diagnosis if you or our dentist notice any symptoms. These include fluorescent stain, toluidine blue stain, exfoliative cytology, and brush biopsy. Fluorescent stains and toluidine blue stains are similar to one another in that they both cause potentially cancerous tissue to appear different than non-cancerous tissue. Likewise, cytology and biopsy are also very similar. Cytology involves the use of a small wooden stick, cotton ball, or brush to collect cells from the surface of the soft tissue. Biopsy uses a brush to take cells from inside of the lesion, not the surface. When the cells are collected, they are viewed under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous tissue. There are also a number of diagnostic imaging tests that we could recommend. Some of these include x-rays, CT or CAT scans, PET scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds. X-rays show tissues thicker than typical soft tissue, such as bone tissue or tumorous growths. CT and CAT scans, PET scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds provide more detailed images of the soft tissues. These have different methods of administration, which we can explain at our office. Treatment OptionsThere are a few different treatment options available, and the specific treatment plan will depend on the specific type and location of the cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy are common for targeting cancerous tissues, specifically. Surgery may be needed to remove tumors or repair structures. In addition, you will receive supportive care to mitigate symptoms and maintain the best health condition possible. To learn more about oral cancer screening, call Smile Makers Dental Center at one of our locations. |
 Bailey's Crossroads5659 Columbia Pike, Ste 100 Falls Church, VA (571) 648-1711 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am - 5pm City of Falls Church313 Park Avenue, Ste 101 Falls Church, VA (571) 648-1713 Monday - Thursday: 9am - 5pm Fairfax2810 Old Lee Highway, Ste 200A Fairfax, VA (571) 773-6563 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10am - 6pm Friday: 9am - 5pm Leesburg19 Catoctin Cir NE Leesburg, VA (540) 882-0421 Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 5pm, Saturday: By Appointment Tysons8310 Old Courthouse Road, Ste A Tysons, VA (571) 773-6582 Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: By Appointment Woodbridge14416 Richmond Hwy Ste 16 Woodbridge, VA (571) 628-8583 Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pmSaturday: By Appointment |
