Oral Cancer Screening In Philadelphia

Risk Factors You Can Control

Over 75% of oral cancers link to avoidable behaviors. Tobacco use in any form dramatically increases your risk for developing mouth cancer. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes exposes oral tissues to cancer-causing chemicals. Smokeless tobacco placed between your cheek and gum causes particularly high rates of oral cancer in those areas.

Excessive alcohol consumption significantly raises oral cancer risk. People who both smoke and drink heavily face even greater danger than those who use only one substance. The combined effect of tobacco and alcohol creates a synergistic risk far exceeding either habit alone.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, causes an increasing number of oropharyngeal cancers affecting the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils. According to the Centers for Disease Control, HPV-related head and neck cancers are rising, especially in younger, non-smoking individuals. HPV vaccination can prevent these cancers.

Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation from rough teeth or ill-fitting dentures may contribute to oral cancer development. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene reduces chronic inflammation that can lead to cellular changes.

Excessive sun exposure to the lips increases lip cancer risk. Using lip balm with SPF protection helps prevent this type of oral cancer, which is more common in people who work outdoors or live in sunny climates.

Risk Factors Beyond Your Control

Age plays a role in oral cancer development. Most cases occur in people over 40, with risk increasing significantly after age 50. However, HPV-related oral cancers are appearing in younger adults.

Gender affects oral cancer rates. Men develop oral cancer at twice the rate of women, though this gap is narrowing as smoking rates equalize between genders.

Family history of head and neck cancers increases your risk. Genetic factors may make some people more susceptible to developing cancer when exposed to risk factors. If close relatives have had oral cancer, more frequent screening becomes important.

Previous cancer diagnosis raises your risk for developing additional cancers. People who have had oral cancer face higher chances of developing another oral cancer or cancer in the throat, esophagus, or larynx. Regular screening after cancer treatment remains essential.

What Happens If Abnormalities Are Found

If we detect suspicious areas during your oral cancer exam, the next step involves determining whether the abnormal area is cancerous. We may perform a brush biopsy in our office, which involves gently scraping cells from the suspicious area for laboratory analysis. This painless procedure provides information about whether abnormal cells are present.

For more concerning lesions, a tissue biopsy becomes necessary. We either perform this procedure or refer you to a specialist for evaluation and diagnosis. The biopsy removes a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist who can diagnose cancer cells definitively.

Additional tests may include imaging studies to determine if cancer has spread. CT scans, MRI, or PET scans reveal the extent of disease and help plan treatment. These diagnostic tools show whether cancer has reached lymph nodes in the neck or other areas.

Early detection dramatically improves treatment success. When caught in early stages, oral cancer has high survival rates and better treatment options. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combinations depending on the cancer’s type, size, and location.

Prevention Through Lifestyle Changes

Quitting tobacco use provides the single most effective way to reduce your oral cancer risk. Our team provides resources and support for tobacco cessation. The benefits begin immediately after quitting, and your risk continues decreasing the longer you remain tobacco-free.

Limiting alcohol consumption lowers your cancer risk. Avoiding the combination of heavy drinking and tobacco use eliminates the synergistic effect that dramatically increases oral cancer risk.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help protect against oral cancer. Antioxidants and vitamins in plant foods support healthy cells and may prevent cancerous changes.

Protecting your lips from sun exposure prevents lip cancer. Use lip balm containing SPF 30 or higher when spending time outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.

HPV vaccination prevents the strains of human papillomavirus that cause oropharyngeal cancers. The vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV. Discuss vaccination with your doctor.

The Importance of Regular Screening

Annual oral cancer exams save lives through early detection. Many oral cancers are detected late because they cause no pain in early stages and develop in areas you cannot easily see. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have advanced to later stages with poorer prognosis.

Self examination between professional screenings helps you notice changes early. The Oral Cancer Foundation recommends monthly self-checks where you examine your mouth using a mirror and bright light. Look for red or white patches, sores, lumps, or any changes in your oral tissues.

People with risk factors need more frequent evaluation. If you use tobacco, drink heavily, have a history of HPV, or have had previous oral cancer, discuss screening frequency with your periodontist. High-risk patients may benefit from exams every six months.

Routine dental visits provide opportunities for oral cancer screening even if you don’t have symptoms. Your comprehensive periodontal evaluation includes oral cancer examination during every appointment. Don’t skip regular appointments, as they serve as your best defense against late-stage cancer diagnosis.

Protect Your Health with Regular Oral Cancer Screening at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants

Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Ishita Bhavsar perform thorough oral cancer examinations as part of every comprehensive periodontal evaluation. Early detection through regular screening provides the best opportunity for successful treatment and long-term survival.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Oral cancer often produces no warning signs in early stages when it’s most treatable. Our Philadelphia practice provides gentle, thorough screening that takes just minutes but could save lives. Contact our office today to schedule your oral cancer screening and comprehensive periodontal evaluation.