130 Interlachen Road, Suite A, Melbourne FL 32940

(321) 516-0419

New Patients

Facebook-f Google Blog Instagram Youtube Link
Contact us
Viera Dental Arts, Dentist Melbourne FL, Dentist in Melbourne FL, Dentists in Melbourne, TMJ specialist Melbourne, Dentist Viera FL
Facebook-f Google Blog Instagram Youtube Link
Call Today!

Oral Cancer Screening in Melbourne, FL

Life-saving early detection with advanced screening — where thorough examination meets cutting-edge technology to protect your health and future.

(321) 255-4644
Contact Us

Early detection saves lives, and nowhere is this more critical than with oral cancer, where catching the disease in its initial stages can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Many people don’t realize that oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, often developing silently without obvious symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Regular oral cancer screenings performed by a qualified dental professional represent your first line of defense against this potentially devastating disease, providing peace of mind while protecting your long-term health.

 

At Viera Dental Arts, Dr. Gollob integrates comprehensive oral cancer screenings into every routine examination, ensuring that our Melbourne patients receive thorough preventive care that goes beyond just cleaning teeth. Our practice combines advanced screening techniques with a caring, personalized approach that makes this important health service comfortable and accessible. We believe that proactive detection through regular screenings gives you the best possible chance for successful outcomes should any concerning changes be discovered.

Medical, check and doctor with person and throat in hospital for cancer, sick and surgery. Medicine, healthcare and consulting with woman and patient in clinic for wellness, virus and oral exam.

Understanding Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Oral cancer can develop in various parts of your mouth, including the following:

 

  • Your lips
  • Tongue
  • Cheeks
  • Floor of the mouth
  • Hard and soft palate
  • Sinuses
  • Throat

 

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain risk factors increase your likelihood of developing the disease. Traditional risk factors include tobacco use in any form, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).

 

Age also plays a significant role, with most oral cancers occurring in people over 40, though we’re seeing increasing cases in younger patients, particularly those related to HPV infections. A family history of cancer, previous cancer diagnosis, poor nutrition, and compromised immune systems can also elevate risk levels. Understanding these factors helps us tailor your screening approach and frequency to your individual risk profile. 

 

About 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people with no known risk factors, which underscores the importance of regular screenings for everyone, regardless of their lifestyle or health history. This reality makes routine oral cancer screening an essential component of comprehensive preventive dentistry care.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs

While professional screening remains the most reliable method for early detection, being aware of potential warning signs empowers you to seek prompt evaluation when changes occur. Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing or chewing, and changes in voice or speech patterns all warrant immediate attention. 

 

Leukoplakia are thick, whitish-color patches that form on the inside of the cheeks, gums or tongue. These patches are caused by excess cell growth and are common among tobacco users, according to the American Dental Association. While not all leukoplakia patches are cancerous, some can develop into cancer over time, making professional evaluation essential for any unusual tissue changes.

stomatitis inflammation of the tongue, cancer of the tongue closeup

The Screening Process at Viera Dental Arts

Our comprehensive oral cancer screening begins with a detailed health history review, including questions about your lifestyle, family history, and any symptoms you may have noticed. Dr. Gollob then performs a thorough visual examination of all accessible areas of your mouth and throat, looking for any abnormal tissue colors, textures, or growths that might indicate developing problems.

 

The physical examination involves gently feeling the tissues in your mouth, neck, and jaw area to detect any unusual lumps, swellings, or areas of tenderness. This hands-on approach allows us to identify changes that might not be visible during the visual inspection. The entire screening process takes only a few minutes and is completely painless, typically performed as part of your regular dental examination.

 

When necessary, we may use advanced screening technologies to enhance our ability to detect abnormal tissue changes. These tools can help identify potentially problematic areas that might not be apparent during standard visual examination, particularly in the early stages when changes are subtle and easier to treat successfully.

Advanced Detection Methods

Modern oral cancer screening incorporates several technological advances that improve our ability to detect abnormal tissue changes before they become visible to the naked eye. These methods enhance traditional examination techniques and provide additional diagnostic information when concerning areas are identified. Various screening technologies can reveal tissue changes at the cellular level, helping identify potentially precancerous conditions before they progress. While these advanced tools complement our clinical examination, they don’t replace the importance of regular professional screenings and thorough tissue evaluation.

The woman show the picture of tongue problems, Illustration benign migratory glossitis on a brown paper, Behcet's Disease

Benefits of Regular Oral Cancer Screening

The primary benefit of consistent oral cancer screening lies in early detection, which significantly improves treatment success rates and reduces the need for extensive surgical intervention. When caught early, oral cancer treatment can often preserve normal function and appearance while achieving excellent survival rates. Early-stage oral cancers may require less aggressive treatment approaches, leading to better quality of life outcomes.

 

Key advantages of regular oral cancer screening include:

 

  • Early detection when treatment is most effective and least invasive
  • Peace of mind knowing potential problems are caught quickly
  • Monitoring of suspicious areas before they become cancerous
  • Education about personal risk factors and prevention strategies
  • Integration with comprehensive oral health care
  • Professional guidance on lifestyle changes that reduce cancer risk
  • Prompt referral to specialists when treatment becomes necessary

 

Beyond the medical benefits, regular screenings provide psychological comfort, knowing that a trained professional is monitoring your oral health for potential problems. This proactive approach allows you to focus on enjoying life while maintaining confidence in your long-term health management.

 

Regular screenings also help establish baseline conditions for your mouth, making it easier to identify changes during future examinations. This continuity of care proves invaluable in detecting subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Protect Your Oral Health with Viera Dental Arts

At Viera Dental Arts, we’re committed to providing comprehensive oral health care that includes vigilant cancer screening as part of our general dentistry services. Dr. Gollob combines extensive experience with the latest screening techniques to ensure you receive a thorough evaluation during every visit. Our Melbourne practice creates a comfortable environment where you can discuss health concerns openly while receiving the attentive care you deserve. We understand that cancer screening can cause anxiety, and we work carefully to make the process as comfortable and informative as possible.

 

Don’t leave your oral health to chance when early detection can make such a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Regular oral cancer screenings provide invaluable peace of mind while protecting your long-term health and well-being. Our commitment to preventive care means we’re always looking out for your best interests, whether addressing immediate concerns or preventing future problems. Contact our caring team today at (321) 255-4644 or schedule your screening appointment online to ensure your oral health receives the comprehensive attention it deserves.

Skip to content