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