Our Services / Oral Cancer Screening

What is oral cancer?

All types of cancer are characterized by abnormal, uncontrollable cell replication. Oral cancer is no different and occurs when cells of oral tissues begin to multiply rapidly. 

You can develop oral cancer in any of the soft tissues in your mouth, including your:

• Gums
• Lips
• Inner cheeks
• Roof of the mouth
• Floor of the mouth
• Tongue

These types of cancer are grouped under the category of head and neck cancers. Left untreated, oral cancer can become a serious health problem and can even be deadly. 

What are some symptoms of oral cancer?

Knowing what to look for can help you know when to schedule a diagnostic exam. Some signs of oral cancers include:

• Loose teeth
• Ear pain
• Lip or mouth sores that don’t heal
• Patches of white or red tissue within the mouth
• Growth or lump within the mouth
• Oral pain
• Pain when swallowing

It’s important to note that oral cancers are difficult to detect in the early stages. That’s why scheduling routine dental exams are so important, as Dr. Grace performs an oral cancer screening during these visits. If you see signs of cancer or notice changes in any of your oral tissues, schedule a visit as soon as possible. 

What happens during oral cancer screening?

Dr. Grace begins by performing a visual check of your oral tissues to look for signs of abnormalities. He also offers ViziLite™ Plus, an advanced system that uses chemiluminescent technology to detect soft tissue abnormalities. 

You’ll rinse your mouth with a dilute acetic acid solution before a special light is used to examine all areas of your mouth. The solution will cause abnormal tissue to turn bright white under the special examination light, allowing Dr. Grace to detect abnormal changes in the earliest possible stages. ViziLite also offers a special dye called TBlue that can highlight abnormal tissues without the use of a special light. 

Early intervention is key to successful oral cancer treatment. Professional oral cancer screenings and advanced diagnostic tools like ViziLite allow in-depth screening and early detection for oral cancer.

To schedule a visit, call the office to check appointment availability, or use the simple online scheduling page.