Oral Pathology & Cancer Screening in Falls Church

Our dentists can also show you how to do self-exams each month. Checking for changes in your mouth such as raised or thicker areas, white and red patches, or persistent sores helps you understand when to seek professional care. Each member of our expert team has extensive experience and training in diagnosing oral pathologies and treating the condition. 

If you notice any differences in your mouth including abnormalities or sores, then we urge you to schedule an oral cancer evaluation right away.

Who Might Need Oral Pathology Treatment?

A cancerous or precancerous lesion could occur anywhere inside or around your mouth. Oral cancer locations include the tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, throat, and the top or bottom of your mouth. 

People who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer may have one or more of these characteristics:

• Experiencing past or present prolonged sun exposure
• Having a genetic predisposition
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Consuming alcohol frequently
• Being exposed to HPV
• Following poor oral hygiene habits
• Dealing with poor health overall

When Should You Get an Initial Evaluation for a Diagnosis?

Abnormalities in or near your mouth don’t always indicate that you have oral cancer. But, you’ll want to schedule a professional oral evaluation with our team when you notice any of the following signs.

• Lesions that bleed
• Sores that don’t heal within two weeks
• Rough, thickened or raised areas
• Red or white patches
• Nodules, lumps or masses in your throat
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Oral pain or other changes that are persistent

What Does an Oral Biopsy and Pathology Treatment Involve?

Our team includes oral and maxillofacial surgeons who undergo extensive training to diagnose and treat oral cancer, along with other pathological conditions. If we notice suspicious areas during a screening, then a member of our team can use digital imaging to observe your mouth, head, and neck in higher detail.

In some cases, you may need a biopsy to analyze abnormalities in oral tissue at a cellular level. If a biopsy is necessary, don’t worry. We will use a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the procedure. If the tissue sample reveals precancerous or cancerous lesions, then we’ll discuss the diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment, such as surgical excision or other effective therapies.

What Should You Expect From Recovery and Ongoing Monitoring?

Following your oral pathology treatment or biopsy, we’ll make sure you understand the post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize any discomfort that might occur. We’ll then schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress.

With any diagnosis, it’s important to continue with your routine dental visits. Self-exams at home are also important. Depending on your diagnosis and recovery, we may also recommend more frequent screenings for oral cancer moving forward. 

Understand How Early Detection Saves Lives

Finding an abnormal area near or in your mouth could be a sign of a more serious oral health condition. In some cases, the bump or lesion could be present for a long time without causing symptoms. Whether you have a new lesion or one that you’ve seen for a while, it is critical to have a dental professional or oral surgeon perform an exam.

Early detection of cancerous and precancerous changes gives you the best chances of receiving a positive long-term prognosis and a better outcome for an oral cancer diagnosis. 

If you’ve recently noticed any concerning changes in your oral tissues or are at a higher risk for developing oral cancer, then call us at (703) 935-2878 for a consultation at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia in Skyline today.