Oral Cancer Screening
A quick, painless check that could catch something early — when it matters most.
Oral cancer is one of those things most people do not think about until they hear about it happening to someone they know. The reality is that it affects tens of thousands of people every year, and when it is caught early, the survival rate is dramatically higher. That is why an oral cancer screening is part of your regular exam at Bedford Family Dentistry — and why it takes less than five minutes.
During your screening, Dr. Maharaj visually examines the soft tissues of your mouth — your tongue, the floor of your mouth, the roof of your mouth, your cheeks, your gums, your lips, and the back of your throat. He is looking for anything unusual: sores that have not healed, white or red patches, lumps, thickening, or changes in texture. He also feels the lymph nodes in your neck and jaw for any swelling.
If the practice uses VELscope or a similar screening technology, a special light can reveal tissue changes that are invisible to the naked eye. The process is completely painless — you simply open your mouth while the light is applied, and abnormal tissue fluoresces differently than healthy tissue. It takes a moment, and it can catch things that would otherwise go unnoticed until symptoms appeared.
Most of the time, a screening turns up nothing at all, and that is exactly the result you want. But if Dr. Maharaj sees something that warrants a closer look, you will hear about it calmly, clearly, and with a plan. A biopsy or referral to a specialist may be recommended, and you will understand why and what to expect at every step.
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of oral cancer — tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, a history of HPV, and a family history of cancer. But oral cancer also appears in people with no obvious risk factors at all, which is why screening everyone, at every exam, is the right approach. Whether you live in Bedford, Forest, or Montvale, this check takes almost no time and could make all the difference.
If you have noticed a sore in your mouth that has not healed in two weeks, a persistent lump, difficulty swallowing, or numbness in your lip or tongue, do not wait for your next scheduled cleaning. Call us at 540-586-8080 and come in for a look. Early detection is the single most important factor in successful treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
Not at all. It is a visual and gentle physical examination — Dr. Maharaj looks at the soft tissues of your mouth and feels the lymph nodes in your neck. If a screening light is used, it is completely painless. The whole process takes just a few minutes during your regular exam.
How often should I be screened for oral cancer?
You are screened at every regular exam, which for most people means every six months. If you have specific risk factors — tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of HPV — you may benefit from more frequent attention, and Dr. Maharaj will discuss that with you.
What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Watch for a sore or ulcer in your mouth that does not heal within two weeks, unexplained white or red patches, a lump or thickening in your cheek, difficulty chewing or swallowing, persistent hoarseness, or numbness in your lip or tongue. If you notice any of these, call us — even if your next cleaning is months away.
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