Oral cancer screening in Falls Church, VA
Broadview Dental provides an oral cancer screening as part of a comprehensive exam in Falls Church, VA. The screening is a visual and tactile check of the lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, floor of the mouth, throat and neck for changes that may need further evaluation.
Why an oral cancer screening is part of every dental exam
Oral and throat cancers are generally easier to treat when they are found at an earlier stage. A routine oral cancer examination may identify unusual tissue changes that need further evaluation, although a screening examination alone cannot diagnose cancer.
Early changes may not cause pain or be easy to see on your own. Areas such as the sides and underside of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and the back of the throat can be difficult to examine without professional training and equipment.
An oral cancer screening can be included as part of a dental examination. Dr. Nam will evaluate the relevant tissues, explain any findings and recommend appropriate next steps if an area needs additional attention.
What happens during an oral cancer screening
About a minute, no dye, no needle, nothing uncomfortable. Here is what an oral cancer screening may include.
Where we look
An oral cancer screening may include the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, inside of the cheeks, palate, throat and other visible oral tissues. The tongue, including its sides and underside, is carefully evaluated along with the rest of the mouth and throat.
What we are looking for
We look for changes such as sores that do not heal, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding, lumps or areas that appear different from surrounding tissue. Findings may be documented and compared over time as part of your comprehensive exam.
The neck, not just the mouth
The examination may also include gentle palpation around the jaw and neck to check for enlarged lymph nodes, lumps or other changes. A neck examination is part of a thorough extraoral and intraoral evaluation.
Everyone, not just smokers
Tobacco and alcohol use are important risk factors for oral and throat cancers, and using both can increase risk further. HPV is also linked to many cancers of the oropharynx, so an oral cancer examination can be important even for people who have never smoked.
If we see something
Many mouth changes are caused by irritation, injury or other noncancerous concerns. If we see an area that needs follow-up, we may document it, monitor it after a short period or recommend referral for additional evaluation. A definitive diagnosis may require assessment by an appropriate specialist and, when indicated, a biopsy.
Changes in your mouth that are worth getting checked
Many mouth changes have noncancerous causes, but a change that persists is worth having checked.
- A sore that will not healCHECK IT IFIT LASTS 2–3 WEEKS
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal within two to three weeks should be evaluated. Persistent sores can have several causes, but they should not be ignored, especially when there is no clear reason for the change.
- A red or white patchCHECK IT IFIT WILL NOT RUB OFF
- A red or white patch on the tongue, gums or lining of the cheek that does not go away or has no clear cause should be checked. Many changes are noncancerous, but an examination can determine whether follow-up is needed.
- A lump or thickened areaCHECK IT IFIT IS PAINLESS
- A lump, thickened area or persistent swelling in the mouth, lip, jaw or neck should be evaluated, particularly if it does not have an obvious cause. A denture that suddenly fits differently may also be worth discussing with your dentist.
- A change in voice or swallowingCHECK IT IFIT PERSISTS
- Persistent hoarseness, difficulty or discomfort swallowing, a sore throat that does not improve or a sensation that something is caught in the throat are worth discussing with a healthcare professional. These symptoms can have many causes, including concerns involving areas farther back in the throat.
Schedule an oral cancer screening near you in Falls Church, VA
If you notice a sore, patch, lump or other change in your mouth that lasts longer than two weeks, contact us for an evaluation. An oral cancer screening can help us assess the area, explain what we see and recommend appropriate next steps if further care is needed.
Broadview Dental is located on West Broad Street in Falls Church, VA, convenient for patients who live or work nearby. Call (571) 584-0020 or use the form below to schedule an oral cancer screening near you.
Oral cancer screening with Dr. Nam in Falls Church, VA
Dr. Nam provides oral cancer screenings at Broadview Dental as part of preventive dental care. He evaluates the mouth and surrounding tissues, explains any findings and recommends appropriate next steps when an area needs attention.
Regular comprehensive exams can help create an ongoing record of your oral health and provide opportunities to discuss changes you have noticed between visits.
Understanding oral cancer screening costs
The cost of an oral cancer screening can depend on whether it is provided as part of your dental exam and on the details of your dental benefits, if applicable. Our team can explain your recommended care and discuss available financial options. Learn more about insurance and payment.
If you do not have dental insurance, our in-house membership plan may be a helpful resource for managing the cost of ongoing dental care. You can also review our current specials for available offers.
Call (571) 584-0020 with questions about screening, payment options or scheduling your preventive care visit.
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Questions about oral cancer screening
Have questions about oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is generally noninvasive and typically involves a visual examination and gentle palpation of the mouth and neck. It does not require a needle or dye. Let us know if you have tenderness or concerns before your exam.
An oral cancer examination can be part of preventive dental care even if you have never smoked. Tobacco and alcohol are important risk factors, but HPV is also associated with many cancers of the oropharynx. Your dentist can consider your history, symptoms and oral-health needs when recommending care.
At every routine exam, which for most people means twice a year as part of preventive care. If you have any concerns at any point please let us know even if it’s outside your dental checkups.
If we identify an area that needs attention, we will explain what we observed and recommend an appropriate next step. Depending on the finding, that may include monitoring the area, scheduling a follow-up visit or referring you to a specialist for further evaluation. A biopsy may be needed to make a diagnosis.
You can pay attention to changes in your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue and other visible areas of your mouth. Contact us if you notice a sore, patch, lump or other change that lasts longer than two weeks. Self-checks do not replace an oral cancer screening, which includes professional evaluation of areas that can be difficult to assess on your own.
No. An oral cancer screening is an examination that looks for changes that may need further evaluation; it does not diagnose cancer. If an area is concerning, additional assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional and, when indicated, a biopsy are needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Where to find us
Broadview Dental is at 101 W Broad St, Suite 200 in Falls Church, VA. We are open Monday to Saturday and welcoming new patients of all ages.
Call us or send the form and we will follow up to arrange a time that suits you.
Request an appointment
We’ll follow up by phone or email to confirm a time. Please don’t include sensitive health information.