Oral Cancer Screening in Red Bank, NJ
Oral Cancer Cases Are Rising at an Alarming Rate
Every hour, one person dies from oral cancer. At roughly 50%, its five-year mortality rate runs higher than that of cervical cancer and prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 Americans receive an oral cancer diagnosis each year, and over 8,000 deaths occur annually.
For peace of mind, an oral cancer screening from Dr. Glenn A. MacFarlane can help. Oral cancer covers cancers of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, throat (pharynx), sinuses, and hard and soft palate. While it can be life-threatening, oral cancers can most often be treated successfully when caught in the early stages. Too often, though, they go undetected until they have progressed to a more advanced stage. That is why The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine includes oral cancer screening as part of every routine exam, aiming to detect and treat oral cancers and other abnormalities at the earliest possible stage.
What it is
A painless examination, both visual and tactile, of the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, throat, and neck, designed to catch cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions at the earliest possible stage.
Who it's for
Annual oral cancer screenings are encouraged for all adults over the age of 17. Those with risk factors such as tobacco or alcohol use may benefit from more frequent evaluations.
Our approach
During routine dental visits, Dr. MacFarlane carries out a thorough multi-point screening, using advanced laser and light technology to inspect tissue beneath the surface for hidden abnormalities.
Noticing unusual symptoms in your mouth or worried about oral cancer? Schedule a screening with Dr. MacFarlane today.
Early Detection Makes the Difference
Most oral cancer is virtually undetectable with the naked eye in its early stages. As it begins, it does not always cause pain or discomfort, which means you can have oral cancer or a pre-cancerous lesion without even realizing it. For that reason, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that all patients over the age of 17 be screened annually for oral cancer.
At our Red Bank, NJ office, our dentist and team perform an oral cancer screening during your routine dental cleanings and exams. The oral cancer exam itself is painless and easy. Dr. MacFarlane examines the tongue, lips, cheeks, face, glands, and neck while looking for abnormalities, and a special laser or light may be used to look below the skin's surface for unusual spots or lesions. The screening is meant to identify oral cancer early, when the chance for a cure is greater.
Common Symptoms & Risk Factors
Most Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- A persistent sore throat or a sensation that something is lodged at the back of the throat
- Unusual bleeding in the mouth
- A lingering sore on the face, mouth, or neck that bleeds and fails to heal within two weeks
- Numbness or a notable lack of pain in the face, mouth, or neck
- Earaches
- Rough spots, lumps, or unusual bumps on the lips, gums, or elsewhere in the mouth
- White patches, or red and speckled red patches, inside the mouth
- Trouble speaking, chewing food, or swallowing
- A noticeable change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
Key Risk Factors
- Tobacco use: Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes or use smokeless tobacco products, oral cancer risk rises significantly
- Excessive alcohol consumption: A well-established risk factor, heavy drinking is especially dangerous when paired with tobacco use
- HPV infection: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus have links to oropharyngeal cancers
- Sun exposure: Spending prolonged time in the sun may raise the risk of lip cancer
- Age and gender: Most diagnoses occur in individuals over 40, and men are affected at roughly twice the rate of women
- Diet: Eating few fruits and vegetables may contribute to increased risk
Our team screens for oral cancer at your routine visits, but we still encourage you to contact us immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
At The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ, an oral cancer screening is a straightforward, painless process, usually folded into your routine dental exam. Dr. MacFarlane carries out a comprehensive nine-point evaluation, carefully examining the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, hard and soft palate, throat, glands, neck, and surrounding facial tissues. The whole screening generally takes only a few minutes and asks no special preparation of you.
As he examines you, Dr. MacFarlane watches for unusual sores, discoloration, lumps, or textural changes that could signal a potential concern. To reveal irregularities the naked eye cannot see, a special laser or light may be used to examine tissue below the surface of the skin. If anything suspicious turns up, he will talk through the findings with you and may recommend a follow-up evaluation or biopsy to reach a definitive diagnosis.
What to Expect
Your Screening Steps
- Visual examination: Dr. MacFarlane carefully inspects the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and throat for visible abnormalities
- Physical palpation: By hand, he gently examines the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for unusual lumps or swelling
- Advanced light screening: To catch tissue changes beneath the surface that the naked eye misses, a special laser or fluorescent light may be used
- Discussion of findings: On the spot, Dr. MacFarlane reviews the results with you, explaining any areas of concern and the recommended next steps
- Follow-up plan: When suspicious tissue is identified, a follow-up appointment or biopsy may be recommended for further evaluation
Good to Know
- Completely painless, the screening takes only a few minutes during your routine dental visit
- Your appointment requires no special preparation beforehand
- For all patients over age 17, the CDC recommends annual screenings
- Many patients find that regular screenings deliver significant peace of mind
- Caught at an early stage, oral cancer has a significantly higher survival rate than late-stage diagnoses
- We encourage avoiding high-risk behaviors, including the use of tobacco products, smokeless tobacco products, and excessive alcohol consumption
We care about your health and your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your oral cancer screening at our Red Bank, NJ office.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters
Regular screenings matter, and the statistics surrounding oral cancer make clear just how much. Its five-year mortality rate of approximately 50% keeps it among the more dangerous forms of the disease, largely because it often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. Caught early, however, the prognosis improves dramatically and treatment options tend to be less invasive.
Helping you stay in good health is a commitment we take seriously. Dr. MacFarlane and the team at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine see prevention and early detection as the cornerstones of effective healthcare. When oral cancer screening becomes part of your regular dental visits, you take a proactive step toward safeguarding both your oral health and your overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't leave oral cancer to chance. Take a proactive step toward protecting your health by scheduling your screening at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ.