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Oral Cancer Screenings in Boynton Beach, FL

Protect your health with Oral Cancer Screenings in Boynton Beach, FL—quick, comfortable exams designed to detect early signs, support peace of mind, and help keep your smile and overall health safe.

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Oral cancer screenings detect abnormalities in your mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues before symptoms develop. At Boynton Beach Dental Services, Dr. Eliseo Fiffe and Dr. Katiuska McIntosh use advanced VelScope technology to identify suspicious lesions and tissue changes that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous conditions.

Early detection saves lives. When oral cancer is caught in its earliest stages, treatment outcomes improve significantly. Regular screenings take just minutes during your routine dental visit and can identify issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

Your oral cancer screening begins with a visual examination of your entire mouth. We check your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat for any unusual patches, lumps, or sores. We also feel the tissues in your mouth and neck to detect any abnormal masses or swelling.

At Boynton Beach Dental Services, we use VelScope technology to enhance our oral cancer screenings. This special blue light helps us identify tissue abnormalities that may not be visible under normal lighting conditions. The VelScope shines a safe blue light into your mouth, causing healthy tissue to fluoresce in specific patterns. Abnormal tissue appears darker, helping us spot potential problems early.

The entire screening takes only a few minutes and causes no discomfort. You simply tilt your head back while we examine all areas of your mouth and throat. If we identify any suspicious areas, we may recommend a follow-up examination or biopsy to determine if further treatment is necessary.

7 Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Certain factors increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Understanding these risk factors helps you make informed decisions about your screening schedule and lifestyle choices:

  • Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco
  • Heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use
  • Excessive sun exposure without lip protection
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Age over 40, though younger individuals can develop the disease
  • Previous oral cancer diagnosis
  • Family history of oral or throat cancers

Age plays a role in oral cancer risk. Most cases occur in people over 40, though younger individuals can develop the disease. Previous oral cancer diagnoses increase your chances of developing new cancers in your mouth or throat.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer to Watch For

Between dental visits, watch for changes in your mouth that persist for more than two weeks. Leukoplakia, which appears as thick, whitish-colored patches on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or tongue, can sometimes be associated with oral cancer and requires professional evaluation. Red patches on your gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining also warrant examination. Sores that don’t heal within two weeks require attention.

Difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue may indicate a problem. Persistent ear pain, a lump in your neck or throat, or numbness in your mouth or lips should prompt a dental visit. Chronic sore throat or feeling like something is caught in your throat also merits attention.

These symptoms don’t always indicate cancer, but they require professional evaluation. Many conditions cause similar symptoms, so proper diagnosis is necessary.

How Often You Need Oral Cancer Screenings?

Adults should receive oral cancer screenings at least once per year during routine dental examinations. If you have risk factors like tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of oral cancer, more frequent screenings may be appropriate.

Our team evaluates your individual risk factors and recommends a screening schedule tailored to your needs. Some patients benefit from screenings every six months, while others with no risk factors may only need annual examinations.

Advanced Technology for Better Oral Cancer Detection

Our VelScope technology represents a significant advancement in oral cancer detection. Traditional visual examinations can miss early-stage abnormalities, particularly in areas that are difficult to see. VelScope’s specialized light helps us identify suspicious tissue changes before they become visible to the naked eye.

We also use an iTero digital scanner for comprehensive oral examinations. This advanced imaging technology creates detailed digital models of your mouth, helping us monitor changes over time and identify potential problems early.

Our commitment to modern technology extends throughout our practice. We maintain a fully digital office with CT imaging capabilities, allowing us to provide comprehensive diagnostic services when necessary.

Why Early Detection Matters

Oral cancer survival rates improve dramatically with early detection. When caught in early stages, treatment is typically less invasive and more successful. Late-stage oral cancers require more aggressive treatment and have lower survival rates.

Regular screenings allow us to establish a baseline understanding of your normal oral tissues. This makes it easier to spot changes during future examinations. Many precancerous conditions can be treated before they develop into cancer, preventing the disease entirely.

What to Expect After Your Oral Cancer Screening

Most oral cancer screenings reveal no problems. If we identify any suspicious areas, we’ll explain our findings and discuss next steps. Some abnormalities require monitoring over time to see if they change or resolve on their own.

If a biopsy is necessary, we’ll refer you to an oral surgeon or specialist who can perform the procedure. Biopsies involve removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Results typically return within one to two weeks.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening at Boynton Beach Dental Services

Dr. Eliseo Fiffe brings over 30 years of dental experience to every examination, while Dr. Katiuska McIntosh applies more than two decades of dedication to comprehensive dental care. Together, this husband-and-wife team provides thorough oral cancer screenings using the latest technology available. Our practice welcomes Spanish-speaking patients and serves retirees throughout Boynton Beach’s communities.

We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer CareCredit financing options to make your care more affordable. Don’t wait to schedule your next oral cancer screening. Contact our office today to book your appointment and take an important step toward protecting your oral health.

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Meet Our Dentists

Dr. Katiuska McIntosh Falcon

With over two decades of dedication to the art and science of dentistry, Dr. McIntosh is committed to providing her patients with exceptional care, blending her international experience with a deep passion for advancing dental health.

Dr. Eliseo Fiffe, DDS

Dr. Fiffe brings over 30 years of dental expertise to Boynton Beach Dental Services, specializing in advanced implant procedures to restore smiles with precision and care. His commitment to excellence ensures that each patient receives the highest quality of dental implant treatment.