Oral Cancer Screenings – Burke, VA

Helping Diagnose the Signs of Oral Cancer Early On

At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, our team is dedicated to helping our patients achieve good overall health throughout their lives, which is why we offer routine, preventive oral cancer screenings in Burke. In fact, The Oral Cancer Foundation recommends routine screenings should happen every year starting around 18 years old. If it has been longer than a year since you’ve received one, contact our office to schedule an appointment today.

Why Choose Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery for Oral Cancer Screenings?

  • Team of Knowledgeable Oral Surgeons
  • We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
  • Multiple Convenient Office Locations

What Can You Expect from an Oral Cancer Screening?

During your oral cancer screening in Burke, one of our oral surgeons or our qualified surgical assistants will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth. In addition to a visual examination, we’ll feel for any areas of concern, assessing your lips, the top and bottom side of your tongue, and towards the back of your throat. We’ll also feel the outside of your throat area and palpate underneath your jaw to check for signs of tenderness or abnormal lumps.

If our team detects any areas of concern, we’ll be able to complete a biopsy and conduct further testing to make sure it’s nothing serious or to make a diagnosis of oral cancer. Our goal is to spot the signs as early as possible, as early diagnosis leads to higher rates of successful treatment.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

During your screening, our team will conduct a risk assessment by asking you if you participate in any habits that can increase your chances of developing oral cancer, like using tobacco products. We’ll also be on the lookout for signs of oral cancer, including:

  • Relatively new bumps or lumps that have appeared on your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, or gums.
  • Persistent feeling of having a sore threat.
  • Sores or lesions on the lips and within the mouth that haven’t gone away within two weeks.
  • A sensation that something is stuck in your throat.

If you’re at a high risk of developing oral cancer by using tobacco products, having HPV, genetics, or other reasons, our team may recommend coming in for routine screenings more frequently.

The Importance of Early Detection

The rates of successful oral cancer treatment drastically increase the earlier the disease is diagnosed, which is why our team emphasizes routine screenings at least once a year. We want our patients to enjoy full, healthy, and happy lives, and one of the ways that we’re actionably able to make that happen is by providing thorough oral cancer screenings and biopsies. If you have any concerns about any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms you have or you’d like to assess your risk for oral cancer, we highly encourage you to give our office a call!