Oral Cancer Exams in Hampton Roads
At Eastern Virginia OMS, we provide thorough oral cancer exams in Hampton Roads with compassionate, patient-focused care, taking the time to listen to your concerns and help you feel informed and supported throughout your visit.
Oral Cancer Exams in Hampton Roads
At Eastern Virginia OMS, we provide thorough oral cancer exams in Hampton Roads with compassionate, patient-focused care, taking the time to listen to your concerns and help you feel informed and supported throughout your visit.
Oral Cancer Exams in Hampton Roads
At Eastern Virginia OMS, we provide thorough oral cancer exams in Hampton Roads with compassionate, patient-focused care, taking the time to listen to your concerns and help you feel informed and supported throughout your visit.
A Thorough Approach to Oral Cancer Screening
According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important. Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types such as teratoma, adenocarcinoma and melanoma. The most common type of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma. This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.
There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:
- Lips
- Mouth
- Tongue
- Salivary Glands
- Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
- Gums
- Face
Visit our brand new, state-of-the-art offices for oral cancer exams. Enjoy an awesome staff and low wait times—we respect your time and treat you with a gentle touch.
Our Team
Our Procedures
- Dental Emergencies
- Apicoectomy
- Bone Grafting
- Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
- Dental Extractions
- Dental Implants
- Facial Trauma Reconstruction
- Impacted Canines
- Oral Cancer Exam
- Oral Pathology
- Panoramic X-Rays
- Ridge Modification
- Sedation Dentistry
- Sinus Augmentation
- Sleep Apnea
- Sleep Apnea Appliances
- Soft Tissue Grafting
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders)
- Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Reasons For Oral Cancer Examinations
It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Your dentist can provide literature and education on making lifestyle changes and smoking cessation.
When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.
The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:
Red Patches
& Sores
Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of pathologic (cancerous) changes.
Leukoplakia
This is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous, or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought.
Lumps
Soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.
Oral Cancer Exams, Diagnosis, & Treatment
The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, the dentist will look for abnormality and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps. Lasers which can highlight pathologic changes are also a wonderful tool for oral cancer checks. The laser can “look” below the surface for abnormal signs and lesions which would be invisible to the naked eye.
If further evaluation is needed
If abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia or lumps are apparent, the dentist will implement a diagnostic impression and treatment plan. In the event that the initial treatment plan is ineffective, a biopsy of the area will be performed. The biopsy includes a clinical evaluation which will identify the precise stage and grade of the oral lesion.
Oral cancer is deemed to be present when the basement membrane of the epithelium has been broken. Malignant types of cancer can readily spread to other places in the oral and maxillofacial regions, posing additional secondary threats. Treatment methods vary according to the precise diagnosis, but may include excision, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
During bi-annual check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth, but a dedicated comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each year.
If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please contact us.
Openings Available
Have your referral available, then call to book an appointment!
Our team is here to answer your questions, help you understand the next steps, and find an appointment time that works for you. Eastern Virginia OMS provides compassionate care for oral cancer exams in Hampton Roads.
Non-Urgent Questions? Contact Us.
Openings Available
Have your referral available, then call to book an appointment!
Our team is here to answer your questions, help you understand the next steps, and find an appointment time that works for you. Eastern Virginia OMS provides compassionate care for oral cancer exams in Hampton Roads.