Oral Cancer Screening
in Newport Beach, CA
Your Oral Health Illuminated
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are the standard for oral hygiene and health. But cancer screenings? In the same way that it's important to regularly screen for cancer in other parts of the body, Oral Cancer Screenings are important for our overall well-being. With a simple, painless, and quick blue-light examination, you can be confident about your oral health.
VELScope Oral Cancer Screening at Eden Smile Design
Professional screening is incredibly important when it comes to catching oral cancer, and the team at Eden Smile Design is highly qualified to ensure that your oral health is addressed and monitored. Led by Dr. L. James Chau, we offer comprehensive Oral Cancer Screening in Newport Beach, CA, to help our patients take control of their oral health and overall dental well-being.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can occur in various parts of the mouth and surrounding area, including the gums, lips, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth, inside of the cheeks, and the throat. Symptoms of oral cancer could include mouth sores, swelling or lumps in the mouth or throat, or changes in the appearance of the lips or mouth.
What happens when Oral Cancer goes untreated?
Oral cancer typically starts as a small, unnoticed growth or sore, which can progress over time if not detected and treated early. If left unchecked, oral cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes in the neck, lungs, liver, and even the bones. If it is discovered late, the survival rate can be as low as 40 percent.
Am I at risk for Oral Cancer?
Factors and lifestyle choices that may increase the risk of oral cancer include tobacco use of all varieties, excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (which may affect up to 50 percent of the population), prolonged exposure to sunlight (which can contribute to lip cancer), a weakened immune system, or a family history of oral cancer. Schedule your consultation today at Eden Smile Design using our convenient online form. Take charge of your oral health with certainty.
What can an Oral Cancer Screening detect?
An Oral Cancer Screening with VELScope can identify early signs of oral cancer, such as suspicious lesions or areas of tissue discoloration. Abnormal tissue changes in the oral cavity may indicate the presence of oral cancer or precancerous lesions. In addition to oral cancer, VELScope may also detect other oral conditions, such as infections, inflammation, or mucosal disorders. It can also detect certain medication side effects, so it's important to let your dental professional know about all prescriptions.
The Oral Cancer Screening Process
At our practice in Newport Beach Oral Cancer Screening starts with a standard visual inspection of the mouth, performed by our experts. Then, the VELScope device, which emits a blue light, will be used to examine the oral tissues. You may be asked to rinse your mouth with a special solution to enhance fluorescence visualization.
Is an Oral Cancer Screening for me?
If you have any of the risk factors for oral cancer, it's very important to have an Oral Cancer Screening performed regularly to catch any signs of cancer as early as possible. When caught early enough, patients with diagnosed oral cancer have a much higher survival rate, typically over 85 percent. Since this screening is completely non-invasive and not excessively costly, it is a great option for men and women of all ages.
Oral Cancer Screening Results
With the VELScope light, healthy tissues typically appear green, while abnormal tissues may appear darker or irregular in color. Your dental professional will be able to see immediately if there are any areas of concern and then can recommend further testing to confirm any suspected cancer or other conditions.
Oral Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment options for oral cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the location, and the patient's overall health. Surgery is often the primary treatment for oral cancer, especially in the early stages, with the goal of complete removal. Other therapies could include radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Why choose Eden Smile Design?
Dr. L. James Chau is renowned for his exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence in restorative as well as cosmetic dentistry. With years of experience and advanced training, Dr. Chau, along with his skilled team, consistently delivers outstanding results. Dr. Chau takes pride in building a connection with each patient, and works to achieve your desired outcomes with a conservative approach.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening at Eden Smile Design Today
Call us at 949-423-3371 or schedule your consultation online and feel confident about taking care of your oral health.
Oral Cancer Screening
Frequently Asked Questions
While it is important to keep track of lumps, bumps, or discolorations in the mouth that you can see or feel, self-evaluation is not a substitute for regular evaluation by a dental professional.
Oral Cancer Screenings are meant to detect different types of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, which include those that can occur in parts of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and inner lining of the cheeks, as well as the roof and floor of the mouth.
Your dentist or hygienist will first perform a standard visual inspection of your mouth. Then, the VELScope, a painless blue light-emitting device, will be used to scan the mouth for abnormalities.
This Oral Cancer screening test is completely pain-free.
The cost of Oral Cancer Screening with the VELScope is less than $100.
