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Oral Cancer Exam

Oral cancer is often called the “forgotten disease” because, despite causing more annual deaths than testicular, cervical, or brain cancer, it receives little attention. Each year, over 30,000 Americans are diagnosed, yet only 57% survive beyond five years without treatment. In Arlington, VA, Smita Sabharwal, DDS, FAGD, of SKS Dental, conducts thorough oral cancer screenings and uses the FDA-approved VELscope® to detect early signs of the disease.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to malignant growths in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and roof or floor of the mouth. If left untreated, oral cancer can spread to other areas of the body.

Many people believe that if they abstain from tobacco and alcohol use, oral cancer will not affect them. Tobacco and alcohol use do contribute to oral cancer. However, 25% of those diagnosed abstain from both substances. Identifying it early is critical for better treatment outcomes.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Recognizing early symptoms helps you know when it’s time to get screened. Some common warning signs include:

• Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal
• White or red patches inside the mouth
• Lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or neck
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• A chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Numbness or pain in the mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, scheduling a dental cancer screening is highly recommended.

Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

Everyone benefits from regular oral cancer exams, especially individuals with higher risk factors. You should consider a screening if you:

• Are over the age of 40
• Use tobacco products (smoking or chewing)
• Frequently consume alcohol
• Have a family history of oral cancer
• Spend a lot of time in the sun

Even without these risks, regular exams are recommended. Staying proactive with screenings and at-home dental care will help you catch potential issues early.

Oral Cancer Exam in Arlington, VA

Getting annual screenings is the best way to stay protected from oral cancer. Most dentists perform an oral cancer exam during a regular dental checkup. Dr. Smita Sabharwal offers the FDA-approved VELscope® as another examination tool to help detect oral cancer in its earliest stages. The VELscope® is a blue excitation lamp that highlights precancerous and cancerous cell changes.

If you want to schedule an oral cancer exam in Arlington, VA, our SKS Dental team can help. We’re committed to your well-being with thorough oral cancer screenings, improving your chances of successful treatment and recovery.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Exam

Your oral cancer screening will feel like a routine dental checkup. Dr. Smita Sabharwal will inspect your mouth to look for any signs of abnormalities and gently feel around your neck and jaw for unusual lumps.

For enhanced detection, we offer the Oral Cancer Exam with VELscope®. This noninvasive tool uses blue light to reveal any irregular tissue that might not be visible to the naked eye.

How Does the VELscope® Work?

The VELscope® uses Fluorescence Visualization (FV) in an exciting new way. Essentially, bright blue light is shone into the mouth to expose changes and lesions that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. One of the biggest difficulties in diagnosing oral cancer is that its symptoms look similar to symptoms of less severe problems. The VELscope® System provides important insights into what is happening beneath the surface.

The healthy soft tissue of the mouth naturally absorbs the VELscope® frequency of blue light. Healthy areas beneath the soft tissue surface show up green, and the problem areas become much darker.

Here are some of the advantages of using the VELscope® System:

• It can be combined with digital photography.
• Detects lesions, and white and red patches.
• Detects problem areas that cannot be seen under white light.
• Exposes precancerous and cancerous tissue.
• FDA-approved.
• It helps dentists check that diseased soft tissue is completely removed.
• It helps diagnose oral cancer in its earliest stages, exponentially increasing the chance of survival.
• Quick, painless examinations.

How Is the VELscope® Examination Performed?

An oral cancer exam with VELscope® takes only two or three minutes. It is a painless and noninvasive procedure that saves many lives yearly.

Initially, Dr. Sabharwal will perform a regular visual examination of the whole lower face. This includes the glands, tongue, cheeks, palate, and teeth. Dr. Sabharwal will also provide special eyewear to protect the integrity of the retinas. The lights in the room are dimmed to allow a clear view of the oral cavity.

Lesions and other indicators of oral cancer are easily noticeable because they appear much darker under specialized light.

If symptoms are noted, Dr. Sabharwal might perform a biopsy to determine whether or not this is oral cancer. The biopsy results dictate the best course of action. Otherwise, another oral cancer screening is performed in one year.

Benefits of VELscope®

The VELscope® system offers several advantages in oral cancer detection. Its advanced light technology makes it easier to spot abnormal tissues that may not be visible during a traditional exam. This noninvasive tool also minimizes discomfort, providing you with a quick and painless screening experience.

How Much Does VELscope® Cost?

The cost of an Oral Cancer Exam with VELscope® can vary depending on location and insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover part or all of the screening as part of preventive care, so it’s worth checking with your provider. Please speak with our financing department to discuss payment options.

Treatment Options for Oral Cancer

If oral cancer is detected, treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease. Common approaches include surgery to remove cancerous tissue, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Your prognosis improves significantly with early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Oral Cancer Recovery

Recovery from oral cancer depends on the type of treatment you receive. Surgical procedures may require a few weeks of healing, while chemotherapy and radiation can involve longer recovery periods. Following Dr. Sabharwal’s dental care recommendations and attending regular follow-ups are crucial to your recovery.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Exam Today

If you’re due for a dental cancer screening, don’t wait! Preventive care is key to early detection. Schedule your oral cancer exam in Arlington, VA, with Dr. Smita Sabharwal at SKS Dental. We are your trusted partner in dental prevention and wellness.

FAQ

How often should I get an oral cancer exam?

It’s recommended to get an oral cancer screening at least once a year, especially if you have any risk factors like smoking or alcohol use. Regular exams help catch any signs early when treatment is most effective.

Is the VELscope® exam painful?

No, the Oral Cancer Exam with VELscope® is noninvasive and painless. It uses a special light to identify abnormal tissues without causing discomfort or requiring sedation.

Can oral cancer be prevented?

While you can’t entirely eliminate your risk, practicing good at-home dental care—such as regular brushing and flossing—and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can reduce your chances. Regular screenings are essential to catch any issues before they worsen.

Does insurance cover oral cancer screening?

Many insurance plans cover oral cancer screening as part of preventive dental care. Check with your provider to see if the VELscope® exam is included in your plan.

If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer screening or the VELscope^® system, please contact our office.

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