Supporting Early Detection Through Routine Dental Exams
During your dental exam at Blissful Dental, Dr. Brenda E. Howard checks the tissues in and around your mouth for unusual changes. This screening supports early detection of potential concerns and helps identify areas that need further evaluation. Oral cancer screenings are part of our comprehensive adult dental care in Lanham, Maryland.
Call 301-552-2662 to schedule a dental examination or tell us about a sore, lump or other change that concerns you.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
A screening involves a visual and hands-on examination of the oral tissues and related areas. Dr. Brenda E. Howard looks for unusual changes in color, texture or shape and checks for findings that deserve further attention.
This examination is often part of a dental checkup. It can identify a concerning area, but it cannot by itself confirm a cancer diagnosis or rule out every cancer. A suspicious finding may require specialist evaluation and a biopsy.
Changes to Discuss With a Dentist or Physician
Arrange an evaluation if any of the following lasts more than two weeks:
- A sore or irritated area that does not heal
- A red or white patch inside the mouth
- A lump, thickened area or persistent swelling
- Unexplained numbness, pain or bleeding
- Persistent hoarseness or a sore throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue
- A lump in the neck or a change in denture fit
These symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but persistent changes should be examined. Contact us sooner if a change is concerning rather than waiting for your next routine visit. Trouble breathing or severe difficulty swallowing requires immediate medical attention.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Tell us when you first noticed the change, whether it has grown or changed, and any discomfort you have experienced. We will also review relevant health history, medications, tobacco and alcohol use, and previous findings.
Dr. Brenda E. Howard examines your lips, tongue, cheeks and other accessible oral tissues and may feel the jaw and neck for changes. If an area needs further attention, she will explain the recommendation and how to arrange the next step.
Understanding Risk Factors
Tobacco use and heavy alcohol use increase the risk of oral cancer. Sun exposure can affect the lips, and certain HPV infections are associated particularly with cancers of the back of the throat. Risk also increases with age.
Oral cancer can occur in people without the usual risk factors. Your personal history helps guide the discussion, and new or persistent symptoms should be assessed regardless of whether you use tobacco or alcohol.
When Follow-Up or Referral Is Needed
Some changes may need a planned recheck, while a suspicious lesion calls for prompt further evaluation. Dr. Brenda E. Howard will explain whether referral to an appropriate specialist or a biopsy is recommended.
A biopsy allows a tissue sample to be examined to establish a diagnosis. A normal-looking screening does not mean you should ignore a new or persistent symptom afterward. Keep recommended follow-up appointments and contact us if the area changes.
Experienced Adult Dental Care
Dr. Brenda E. Howard has been in private practice since 1985. Her continuing education includes studies at the Pankey Institute and Stanley Institute. As a solo dentist, she provides comprehensive adult care, explains findings and makes referrals when another provider would better meet a patient’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an unusual sore mean I have oral cancer?
Can a screening confirm or exclude cancer?
Should I wait until my next cleaning if I notice a change?
Is an oral tissue examination painful?
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening in Lanham, Maryland
Discuss a concern or include an oral tissue evaluation in your dental care. Call 301-552-2662 or contact Blissful Dental to schedule your visit.