Oral Cancer Screening: Your First Line of Defense Against a Silent Threat

Dr. Chona Lardizabal performs a painless oral cancer screening at We Care Dental, using a VELscope® light to examine a patient’s mouth for early signs of abnormalities in a modern, reassuring clinic setting.

At We Care Dental in Dublin, CA, Dr. Chona S. Lardizabal and our team prioritize your health beyond just clean teeth. Oral cancer is a serious yet often overlooked disease, claiming over 10,000 lives annually in the U.S. alone. The good news? Early detection through routine screenings can improve survival rates to 90%—a stark contrast to late-stage diagnoses. In this blog, we’ll explore why oral cancer screening is essential, how it works, and what makes our approach at We Care Dental uniquely proactive.

Understanding Oral Cancer: Risks Beyond Smoking

Oral cancer affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. While tobacco and alcohol remain leading risk factors, HPV (human papillomavirus) now accounts for 70% of oropharyngeal cancers, according to the CDC. Other risks include:

  • Prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer)
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • Age (most common over 40, though HPV-related cases are rising in younger adults)
  • Family history of cancer

Unlike other cancers, oral lesions are often visible, making screenings uniquely effective. Yet, 1 in 4 oral cancer patients had no known risk factors, underscoring the need for universal screening.

Why Screening Matters: Survival Rates Speak Volumes

Oral cancer’s 5-year survival rate plummets from 84% when caught early to 39% after spreading, per the American Cancer Society. Sadly, only 29% of cases are diagnosed early due to infrequent screenings. At We Care Dental, we integrate screenings into every routine exam—because waiting for symptoms like pain or sores is waiting too long.

The Screening Process: Quick, Painless, and Life-Saving

Dr. Lardizabal’s screening protocol includes:

  1. Visual Exam:
    Using a bright light and mirror, she inspects your mouth, throat, and lips for red/white patches, ulcers, or asymmetries.
  2. Tactile Exam:
    Gently palpating your jaw, neck, and cheeks to detect lumps or irregularities.
  3. Advanced Tools:
    We use VELscope®, a blue-spectrum light that causes abnormal tissues to fluoresce differently than healthy ones. This non-invasive tool, studied by the NIH, enhances early lesion detection by 50%.
  4. Biopsy Referral (if needed):
    Suspicious findings may require a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is analyzed for cancer cells.

Comparing Screening Methods: Precision Meets Prevention

Method

Procedure

Accuracy

Best For

Visual Ex

Naked-eye inspection

70-80%

Initial screening, obviious lesions

VELscope®

Fluorescence light technology

90-95%

Early-stage, subtle abnomalities

Biopsy

Lab analysis of tissue sample

99%

Confirming cancer diagnosis

Source: Oral Cancer Foundation

While biopsies are the gold standard, tools like VELscope® allow us to act before a lesion becomes malignant.

The HPV Connection: Why Younger Adults Aren’t Immune

HPV-related oral cancers have surged 225% in 20 years, often striking non-smokers aged 30-50. The CDC links this to HPV16, preventable via vaccination. Screenings are critical, as HPV rarely shows symptoms.

Implications of Early vs. Late Detection

Stage

Treatment

5-Year Survival

Cost Estimate

I

Minor surgery or radiation

84%

5,000−15,000

IV

Surgery, chemo, radiations, reconstruction

39%

100,000−250,000+

Source: National Cancer Institute

Early detection not only saves lives but reduces physical, emotional, and financial strain.

Debunking Myths: “I Don’t Need a Screening Because…”

  • “I Don’t Smoke”: 25% of oral cancer patients have no tobacco history.
  • “It’s Painful”: Screenings take 5 minutes and are pain-free.
  • “My Dentist Checked Last Year”: Lesions can develop rapidly; annual screenings are critical.

Why Choose We Care Dental for Your Screening?

  • Advanced Tools: VELscope® for precision.
  • HPV Guidance: Vaccination and prevention tips.
  • Compassionate Care: Anxiety-friendly visits.
  • Insurance Help: Most screenings fully covered.

FAQs About Oral Cancer Screenings

Q: How often should I get screened?
A: Annually, or every 6 months if you have risk factors.

Q: Does insurance cover it?
A: Yes—screenings are typically 100% covered under preventive care.

Q: What if something is found?
A: We’ll coordinate referrals to top Bay Area oncologists for swift next steps.

Act Now: Early Detection Starts with You

Oral cancer is beatable—if caught early. At We Care Dental, we make screenings seamless, thorough, and stress-free. Don’t wait for symptoms; empower yourself with prevention.

Call (925) 300-9559 today to schedule your screening. Your health is worth it.

We Care Dental
Dr. Chona S. Lardizabal
8935 San Ramon Rd., Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 300-9559 | https://dentistdublinwecare.com

Serving Tri-Valley communities with advanced, compassionate care since 2010.