Identify Suspicious Oral Changes as Early as Possible
Changes associated with oral cancer can develop on the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, throat and other tissues without causing immediate pain. At Pure Dentistry Arts, Dr. Jonathan Rodney provides oral cancer screenings in Brooklyn, New York, to look for abnormalities that may require monitoring or further evaluation.
Do not wait for an unusual area to become painful. Call 347-223-5850 or contact Pure Dentistry Arts to schedule a comprehensive dental examination and oral cancer screening.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, throat, jaw and neck. Dr. Rodney looks for changes in color, texture, shape and symmetry that may require additional attention.
Screening does not diagnose oral cancer. If an unusual area is identified, Dr. Rodney may recommend monitoring it, arranging additional testing or referring you to an appropriate specialist for evaluation and possible biopsy.
Warning Signs That Should Be Evaluated
Many changes inside the mouth are caused by conditions other than cancer. However, you should contact a dental or medical professional if any of the following lasts longer than two weeks:
- A mouth sore or area of irritation that does not heal
- A red or white patch inside the mouth
- A lump, thickened area, rough spot or crust
- Unexplained pain, tenderness or numbness
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
- A persistent feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Hoarseness or a change in your voice
- Unexplained loosening of a tooth
- A change in how your teeth or dentures fit together
- Swelling or an unusual lump in the neck or jaw
Do not wait for a routine appointment if you notice a persistent or concerning change. Contact Pure Dentistry Arts so the area can be evaluated.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Oral and oropharyngeal cancers can affect people without known risk factors, but certain factors are associated with greater risk.
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes
- Using chewing tobacco or other smokeless tobacco products
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Combined tobacco and alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus, particularly certain HPV strains associated with throat cancer
- Prolonged sun exposure affecting the lips
- Increasing age
- A personal history of oral or head and neck cancer
Knowing your risk factors can help Dr. Rodney determine how closely particular tissues or changes should be monitored.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
The screening generally takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and does not require anesthesia. Dr. Rodney will examine visible and accessible tissues for unusual colors, textures, sores, patches, swelling or growths.
The examination may include:
- The outer and inner surfaces of the lips
- The gums and inside of the cheeks
- The front, sides and underside of the tongue
- The floor and roof of the mouth
- The back of the tongue and visible throat
- The jaw and neck for swelling or unusual lumps
- The lymph node areas around the head and neck
Dr. Rodney may gently move the tongue or use gauze, mirrors, lighting and magnification to improve visibility during the examination.
Specialized Visualization Tools
Specialized lighting or visualization technology may be used as an additional aid when examining oral tissue. These tools can help make certain tissue differences more visible, but they do not replace a thorough visual and physical examination.
No screening light can confirm whether an area is cancerous. A definitive diagnosis may require evaluation by an appropriate specialist and examination of a tissue sample.
What Happens if Something Unusual Is Found?
An abnormal-looking area does not necessarily mean that you have oral cancer. Irritation, infection, trauma and other noncancerous conditions can cause changes that appear suspicious during an examination.
Depending on the finding, Dr. Rodney may recommend:
- Removing a possible source of irritation
- Photographing or documenting the area
- Reexamining the tissue after a short monitoring period
- Additional diagnostic testing
- Referral to an appropriate medical or dental specialist
- A biopsy to determine the type of tissue change
Following the recommended next step is important even when the area is not painful.
Oral Cancer Screening During Preventive Care
Oral cancer screening may be performed as part of a comprehensive dental examination. Regular visits give Dr. Rodney an opportunity to compare the appearance of your oral tissues over time and evaluate changes that you may not be able to see yourself.
Self-examination can help you notice new sores, patches or lumps between visits, but it does not replace a professional examination. Some areas of the mouth and throat are difficult to inspect without proper lighting, instruments and training.
Thorough Screening From an Experienced Dentist
Dr. Jonathan Rodney personally performs oral cancer screenings at Pure Dentistry Arts. He began practicing dentistry in 2020 and completed a General Practice Residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in 2021.
During your screening, Dr. Rodney will review relevant symptoms and risk factors before examining the mouth, throat, jaw and neck. If an area requires further investigation, he will explain the finding and the appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
How much does an oral cancer screening cost?
Most dental insurance plans include oral cancer screening as part of preventive dental care. Coverage varies by plan. We accept major credit cards and CareCredit™ for expenses not covered by insurance.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. The screening is a visual and physical examination that does not require anesthesia. Dr. Rodney will inspect the oral tissues and gently examine the jaw and neck for unusual changes.
How long does an oral cancer screening take?
The screening generally takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Additional time may be needed if an unusual area requires closer examination or documentation.
Can an oral cancer screening diagnose cancer?
No. A screening can identify tissue changes that may require additional evaluation, but it cannot confirm a cancer diagnosis. A biopsy and examination by a qualified laboratory are generally required for diagnosis.
How often should I receive an oral cancer screening?
The appropriate frequency depends on your age, health history, tobacco and alcohol use, HPV exposure and other risk factors. Dr. Rodney can recommend an examination schedule based on your individual needs.
Can I perform an oral cancer screening at home?
You can monitor for visible changes, including sores, patches, lumps and areas that do not heal. However, a self-examination cannot replace a professional screening because some tissues are difficult to see or evaluate without proper lighting, instruments and training.
What should I do if a mouth sore does not heal?
Contact a dental or medical professional if a mouth sore or other unusual change lasts longer than two weeks. Persistent changes should be evaluated even when they are not painful.
Does an abnormal screening result mean I have cancer?
No. Many noncancerous conditions can cause tissue changes. Dr. Rodney may recommend monitoring, additional testing, specialist evaluation or biopsy depending on the appearance and persistence of the area.
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening in Brooklyn, New York
Regular examinations can help identify suspicious oral changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. Dr. Jonathan Rodney provides a thorough evaluation and clear guidance if an area requires additional attention.
Call 347-223-5850 or request an appointment online to schedule an oral cancer screening at Pure Dentistry Arts.
