Oral Cancer Screening in New York City
Serving Midtown East, Upper East Side & Surrounding Areas
Every hour, someone in the United States dies from oral cancer. Recently, the American Cancer Society published statistics that show deaths from other types of cancer are on a steady decline, while fatal cases of oral cancer have recently been increasing. This may be due to a lack of awareness of the causes, signs, and symptoms of oral cancer, combined with infrequent screenings. Oral cancer is a curable disease when discovered in its early stages, and Dr. Lazare’s dental practice offers patients ViziLite Plus® as part of a yearly oral cancer screening examination.
HPV Oral Cancer
Oral HPV or human papillomavirus can cause the development of cancerous lesions on the tongue, tonsils, or back of the throat (oropharynx). An oral cancer dentist or doctor may be able to make the diagnosis, depending on which area of the mouth is affected.
Oral cancer rates have historically been higher in men, African Americans, and older individuals. While cancer can be caused by several genetic factors beyond a person’s control, behavior, specifically smoking, is the underlying cause for most cases. About 90% of those with oral cancer developed the disease due to tobacco use.
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The ViziLite Plus® Screening Test
In addition to the assessment of the oral cavity, Dr. Lazare has adopted the use of ViziLite Plus® into his Manhattan dental practice for oral cancer testing. First, patients will swish a solution in their mouth to coat the areas to be further inspected.
Next, the lights in the exam room will be dimmed so Dr. Lazare can use a special light to view the tissues of the mouth. Abnormal cells will appear to glow under the light and can be scraped off and collected for biopsy. ViziLite Plus® provides an enhanced method for how to diagnose throat cancer early.
Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer
About 25% of those diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors that lead to its development, while 75% of oral cancers are attributed to tobacco use and drinking alcohol.
Types of tobacco that put people at risk include:
Cigarettes
Cigars
Pipes
Chews
Snuff
Some types of oral cancer, especially lip cancer, might be linked to unprotected sun exposure.
Oral Cancer Screening
Early detection of mouth cancer is possible through annual oral cancer testing.
Using a special technique that includes the palpation of tissue, along with a bright light for visual examination, Dr. Lazare will evaluate the lips, face, head, and neck. He will check all soft tissues inside the mouth, including the inside of the lips, gums, cheeks, base of the tongue, and below the tongue for any irregularities and signs of mouth cancer.
In addition to the visual and physical inspection, Dr. Lazare might also use fluorescent light, dyes, oral rinses, or the ViziLite Plus® test, for one of the most comprehensive oral cancer screenings available in New York City. Findings that may indicate the presence of mouth cancers include lesions or tissue discoloration.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
Preventative measures can be taken to lower your risk for oral cancer. Such measures include reducing or stopping the use of tobacco and the consumption of alcohol, using an SPF lip balm, improving one’s diet and lifestyle, and undergoing annual oral cancer testing.
Tests for Oral Cancer
The first line of defense against oral cancer is a total mouth cancer screening that occurs during annual appointments. If any changes in the mouth are noted that raise suspicions of oral cancer, Dr. Lazare can request a biopsy or refer the patient to their primary care doctor.
Blood work, an endoscopy, and imaging tests like PET scans can assist in the diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity. When the first symptoms of oral cancer and premalignant lesions are diagnosed through oral cancer testing, treatment can begin right away. In general, these early-stage cancers require less extensive treatments and have much higher survival rates.
What Are Common Tongue Cancer Symptoms?
How Is Gum Cancer Diagnosed?
What Is the Typical Oral Cancer Survival Rate?
Where Can Oral Cancer Occur?
What Types of Cancers Are Found in the Mouth and Oropharynx?
How Does Dr. Lazare Conduct an Oral Cancer Testing?
Frequently Asked Questions
Insights
Preventive Dentistry
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Preventive Dentistry
Good Care Starts Early
Preventive Dentistry
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Contact us
Address
507 Madison Avenue, Suite 1212, New York, NY 10022
Phone
(212) 861-2599
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Head and Neck Cancers: Oropharyngeal Cancer
Often called throat cancer, cancer of the oropharynx can also be detected early. Patients who have been infected with HPV and smokers are typically more at risk than others. Symptoms of oral cancer in the back of the throat include a sore throat or a lump found in the neck. In some cases, a person affected by this type of cancer may notice a change in their voice.
While signs of mouth cancer in other parts of the mouth are sometimes more visible in the form of a lesion, oropharyngeal cancer can sometimes be felt by the patient. An annual oral cancer screening may include a questionnaire to determine if any of the symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer exist.
Other Gum Cancer Symptoms
Some warning signs of mouth cancer may be ongoing pain or swelling in the mouth or throat, numbness in the mouth, loose teeth, and unexplained bad breath, which can indicate cancer of the oral cavity or other oral health issues.
More obvious signs are a cheek lesion or a lesion on the gums, often described as a “crater in the mouth,” or lumps present in the mouth or neck. Patients suspecting early signs of mouth cancer should seek diagnosis and treatment to prevent spread beyond stage 1 oral cancer, which is characterized by a tumor that is a maximum of 2 cm in diameter with no cancer cells present locally, in the lymph nodes, or other areas of the body. After oral cancer has spread, sufferers sometimes report weight loss.
Oral Cancer Signs & Symptoms
During the cancer screening process, patients often ask, “What do the early stages of mouth cancer look like?” The answer is: it depends. Oral cancer symptoms can vary widely depending on which area of the mouth is affected.
A sore on the lip might be a sign of lip cancer, while a lesion in the mouth or multiple mouth canker sores that do not heal despite intervention are a hallmark sign of the disease. Other visual changes can include red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or mucous membranes (lining) in the mouth, or even on the tonsils.
Why It's Important to Have Oral Cancer Symptoms Professionally Evaluated
Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Lazare to discuss your oral cancer symptoms is of paramount importance due to the critical nature of early detection. Annual oral cancer screenings are recommended as they can significantly increase the chances of identifying any potential issues in their initial stages. Symptoms of oral cancer can vary widely based on individual circumstances, making professional evaluation essential.
Dr. Lazare's expertise ensures a thorough assessment, allowing for timely intervention if any abnormalities are found. By catching oral cancer early, the treatment process can be more effective and less invasive, leading to better outcomes. Don't delay—book an appointment to discuss your symptoms with Dr. Lazare, safeguarding your oral health and overall well-being through proactive care.