Oral Cancer Screening Boca Raton, FL
Oral cancer screenings can identify the signs of disease before it has spread. This may be beneficial to those in high-risk groups. Regular oral cancer screenings can give patients the advantage of treating cancer in the early stages when there is a higher chance for remission.
Oral cancer screenings are available at Karoline Asbell, DDS in Boca Raton and the surrounding area. Early detection may make cancer treatment more effective. Call us at (561) 225-2063 to schedule an appointment today.
Signs That Could Indicate a Need for a Screening Test
Many people who receive care from a dentist receive oral cancer screenings even though they do not have any signs of a specific need for the test. Oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up.
Some people may have specific signs that might indicate a need for an oral cancer screening, including:
- A change in the mouth tissue, such as a thickening, or rough spot
- An ulcer, or eroded area of the mouth
- Discolorations, such as new red or white patches in the mouth
- Hoarseness, sore throat, or feeling of something stuck in one’s throat
- New problems such as difficulty with speaking, moving one’s tongue or jaw, closing one’s teeth together, chewing, or swallowing
- Pain or numbness in the lips or other mouth structures
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Weight loss
If a patient experiences one of the above symptoms, particularly if it is changing quickly or causing pain, an oral cancer screening can help put their mind at ease.
“This is because oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up.”
What to Expect During the Test
Oral cancer screenings are typically integrated into a routine dental check-up, so a patient may not even notice when a dentist is performing a screening exam. During the typical oral cancer test, the dentist will examine the entire oral cavity, including the lining of the cheeks, the gums, the tongue, the hard palate, the back of the throat, and the lips. The patient may feel the dentist moving their gloved fingers along these structures to palpate the tissue, but the exam should not cause any pain or discomfort. The dentist will also look globally at the structures of the face and neck, checking for symmetry.
To do a more in-depth screening, some dentists may use a special blue light to assess particular areas. If a spot of interest is detected during oral cancer screening, the dentist may perform a biopsy or refer the patient to another provider for this procedure.
“The patient may feel the dentist moving his or her gloved fingers along these structures to palpate the tissue, but the exam should not cause any pain or discomfort.”
Limitations of Oral Cancer Screenings
Although regular oral cancer screenings are integral to maintaining good health, Mayo Clinic points out that it may be difficult to detect abnormal cells through a simple visual exam. Thus, there is always a possibility that a small sign of cancer or precancerous lesion could go undetected.
A group of unusual cells does not always mean that the patient has cancer. Rather, the patient will have to undergo a biopsy to get a definitive answer. If it is cancerous, then early detection will afford the patient more treatment options.
While the evidence does not yet link screenings with reduced oral cancer deaths, regular screenings may help identify cancers early at a time when remission is more likely.
“While the evidence does not yet link screenings with reduced oral cancer deaths, regular screenings may help identify cancers early at a time when remission is more likely.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Cancer Screening in Boca Raton, FL
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening requires no special preparation, and patients can typically expect screening to take place during a routine dental appointment. In most cases, a basic oral cancer screening will consist of the dentist taking a thorough look at all the parts of the patient's mouth, including:
- The back of the throat
- The gums
- The insides of the cheeks
- The outside and the inside of the lips
- The roof of the mouth
- The tongue
Patients with dentures must remove the devices to allow Karoline Asbell, DDS to check the tissue underneath, along with the area underneath the jaw.
All in all, the screening should take less than five minutes.
“There is no special preparation required for an oral cancer screening, and patients can typically expect screening to take place during a routine dental appointment.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the limits of oral cancer screenings?
Q. What can I expect during my oral cancer screening?
Q. Are there any additional tests after oral cancer screenings?
Q. What are signs of oral cancer?
Q. What is an oral cancer screening like?
People Also Ask
Q. What should be included in an at home oral health routine?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How does one maintain a healthy smile?
Additional Tests After Oral Cancer Screenings
Depending on the patient's situation, the dentist may perform special tests in addition to the basic screening. More in-depth oral cancer screenings can involve the patient rinsing their mouth with blue dye to make any unusual cells more visible. Additionally, the dentist may choose to shine a light in the patient's mouth during the exam. This light will "highlight" abnormal tissue by making it appear white.
If any of these tests find signs of oral cancer or any possibly cancerous lesions, then the patient should undergo a biopsy. This procedure consists of removing a sample of cells for laboratory testing. The patient may also need to make a follow-up appointment to see if the abnormal area has grown or changed since detection.
“Depending on the patient’s situation, the dentist may perform special tests in addition to the basic screening.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How common is oral cancer?
A. According to the American Dental Association, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. While this is intimidating, you can lower your risk of developing oral cancer by avoiding tobacco and alcohol. It is also wise to stay on top of oral health by following a regular check-up schedule.
Q. How much does drinking influence oral cancer?
A. The American Cancer Society notes that people who drink heavily are more likely to develop oral cancers than those with light or no alcohol intake. People who pair heavy drinking with heavy tobacco smoking increase their risk even further. The people who combine these activities have a risk of oral cancer that is 30 times higher than those who abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
Q. How can I prevent oral cancers?
A. The most important thing you can do to prevent the development of oral cancer is to avoid using tobacco products. Limiting your alcohol intake can also reduce your risk. Because of the association between oral cancers and HPV, it is also recommended that preteens get two doses of the HPV vaccine, as this could prevent oral cancers.
Q. What is a biopsy?
A. If the dentist identifies a suspicious area in the mouth during oral cancer screening, he or she may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that removes a small piece of tissue so that it can be examined more closely, by a pathologist. This may be done using several different methods, including a needle, a scalpel, or a specialized tool. Some dentists perform their own biopsies, and others coordinate with other types of healthcare professionals, such as otolaryngologists.
Q. Who is most at risk of developing oral cancer?
A. Besides those who drink heavily and use tobacco, those with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) tend to develop it at higher rates. Also, men develop it at higher rates than women. Those with poor nutrition or who are overweight, are also at higher risk.
Scan here to view this page, Oral Cancer Screening, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
Regular oral cancer screenings may help stop the disease before it has the chance to spread. At Karoline Asbell, DDS, we can help figure out the best preventative care plan for you. Call us at 561-225-2063 to schedule an appointment today.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Karoline Asbell, DDS was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Palm Beach County and Broward County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Lake Worth, Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, and North Palm Beach
- FL (License #DN18487). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1295972289). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Karoline Asbell, DDS on mobile
Back to top of Oral Cancer Screening
Related Posts
Bad Breath Can Be A Result Of Poor Hygiene
An oral cancer screening is quick, painless and part of a basic checkup in our office. Call for details.We can provide a quick oral cancer screening during a checkup to ensure that you are cancer free. If we find any symptoms or early signs, we will recommend the next best course of action and treatment.Oral…
You Can Never Be Too Careful: Oral Cancer Screenings
No matter how happy a person may seem, there is always a little voice in the back of one's thought that worries about all the dangerous risks in life. Eventually, that voice can become overwhelming in regards to issues such as various forms of cancer. Unfortunately, when it comes to a disease such as cancer,…
Common Signs Of Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues within the mouth. Many people suffer from a form of gum disease without even realizing it. The gums often get overlooked during oral hygiene, which can make it easy to miss the signs. Keep reading to learn more about what the signs look like. Outlined below are…
Don't Let Gum Disease Stop Your Fun
With regular checkups at our office and proper dental hygiene at home, you can keep free of gum disease.Gum disease can spread throughout the mouth and damage multiple teeth in the process. Fortunately, it is entirely preventable with the proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. We can go over more at one such checkup.Gum…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Karoline Asbell, DDS on mobile