12819 SW 42nd St, Miami, FL 33175
Early Detection Could Save Your Life
Oral cancer is one of the most serious and life-threatening conditions that a dentist can detect. When identified early, the survival rate for oral cancer is significantly higher than when it is caught in its later stages. The challenge is that oral cancer often develops without pain or obvious symptoms in its earliest phases, making professional screening an essential part of your routine dental care.
At Everything Teeth Miami, Dr. Diana and Dr. Omar perform thorough oral cancer screenings as part of every comprehensive dental exam. Our goal is simple: catch any abnormalities as early as possible, when treatment is most effective and outcomes are best.
If it has been more than a year since your last dental exam, do not wait. Early detection is your strongest defense against oral cancer.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth or throat, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx. It falls under the broader category of head and neck cancers and accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each year.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. When oral cancer is detected in its early stages, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher than when it is diagnosed after it has spread to other parts of the body. Yet because early-stage oral cancer is often painless and visually subtle, many cases go undetected until they have already progressed.
That is why routine professional screenings at Everything Teeth Miami are so important. You may feel completely fine and still have abnormal tissue changes that only a trained dental professional can identify.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening at Everything Teeth Miami
An oral cancer screening at Everything Teeth Miami is a simple, completely painless, and non-invasive procedure. It takes only a few minutes and is performed as part of your comprehensive dental exam.
Here is what the process involves
A positive screening finding does not automatically mean cancer is present. Many abnormalities turn out to be benign. What matters is that anything unusual is identified and evaluated promptly.
01
Visual Examination
Dr. Diana or Dr. Omar will carefully examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat for any visible abnormalities, including unusual patches, sores, swelling, or asymmetry.
02
Physical Examination
Using gloved hands, your dentist will feel the tissues in your mouth, jaw, and neck for lumps, tenderness, or irregular areas that may not be visible to the eye.
03
Review of Findings
If everything looks normal, you will be reassured and reminded to watch for any changes between visits. If anything unusual is detected, Dr. Diana or Dr. Omar will discuss the finding with you clearly and calmly, explain the next steps, and refer you to the appropriate specialist if a biopsy or further evaluation is needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Because oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, many patients do not notice anything unusual until the condition has advanced. Knowing the warning signs and reporting them to Dr. Diana or Dr. Omar promptly can make a significant difference in your outcome.
Symptoms to watch for between dental visits include:
- A sore in the mouth or on the lip that does not heal within two weeks
- A red or white patch anywhere inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth that is not related to gum disease
- A lump, thickening, or rough patch on the lips, gums, or inside of the mouth
- Persistent pain or numbness in the mouth, face, or neck
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw and tongue
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness that does not resolve
- The feeling that something is caught in the back of your throat
- Unexplained loose teeth or changes in the way dentures fit
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Everything Teeth Miami right away. Do not wait for your next scheduled visit.
Protect Your Health with an Oral Cancer Screening in Miami
Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The most important thing you can do is make sure you are being screened regularly by a dental professional who knows what to look for. At Everything Teeth Miami, we take your total health seriously. Every exam includes a thorough oral cancer screening because we believe that comprehensive dental care goes far beyond your teeth and gums.
Do not skip your routine dental visits. A few minutes at your next appointment could make a life-changing difference.
New patients and families are always welcome at our Miami office.
Book Your Exam and Screening Today