Oral Cancer Screenings
Advanced Oral Cancer Screenings in Aventura, FL
Vigilance Saves Lives
At BOND Aesthetic, we look at more than just your smile; we look out for your life. Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that is on the rise, yet it is often not detected until the later stages because early symptoms can be painless and invisible to the untrained eye.
We believe that your dental visit is the first line of defense. By integrating comprehensive screenings into our standard of care, we aim to catch abnormalities when they are small, easily treatable, and curable. This isn't just dentistry; it is proactive healthcare.
The Examination Experience
Our screening process is non-invasive, quick, and incredibly thorough. We utilize both visual and tactile methods to evaluate the soft tissues of your mouth and head.
-
Visual Assessment: We inspect the "high-risk" areas—the sides of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the lips, and the soft palate—looking for red or white patches, sores that won't heal, or changes in texture.
-
Tactile Palpation: We gently feel the lymph nodes in your neck and jaw, as well as the tissues inside your cheeks, checking for lumps, bumps, or immobile masses that shouldn't be there.
-
Advanced Technology: In many cases, we may use specialized fluorescence technology (a distinct blue light) that highlights abnormal tissue changes before they are visible to the naked eye.
Who Should Be Screened For Oral Cancer?
The face of oral cancer is changing. While traditional risk factors are still relevant, the rise of HPV-related oral cancers means that healthy, young non-smokers are also at risk. This screening is essential for everyone, but particularly if you:
-
Use Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco significantly increase risk.
-
Consume Alcohol: Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is a major cofactor.
-
History of HPV: The Human Papillomavirus is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers..
-
Sun Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lips (using SPF lip balm helps).
-
Age 40+: Risk generally increases with age, though we screen adults of all ages.
Why BOND Aesthetic For Preventative Cancer Care?
We refuse to rush through the "boring" parts of the exam.
-
Holistic Vigilance: We understand that oral health mirrors systemic health. We take the time to investigate any anomaly.
-
Education: We teach you how to perform self-checks at home so you know what "normal" feels like.
-
Zero Judgment: Whether you are a smoker or have anxiety about a spot you found, we provide a safe, supportive space for answers.
-
Seamless Referrals: If we find something suspicious, we have immediate pathways to oral surgeons and pathologists for biopsy and diagnosis. We don't leave you wondering.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does the screening hurt? Not at all. It involves us looking with a mirror, using a light, and gently feeling your neck and jaw. It is completely painless and takes less than two minutes.
-
How often do I need this? We perform a screening at every single periodic exam (usually every 6 months). Oral tissue changes fast, so frequent checks are the key to early detection.
-
What if you find something? Don't panic. Many benign conditions (like canker sores, bites, or irritation) can look suspicious. If we see something unusual, we will monitor it for two weeks. If it doesn't resolve, we will refer you for a simple biopsy to be sure.
-
I don't smoke. Do I really need this? Yes. 25% of oral cancer victims have no lifestyle risk factors. Genetics and viruses (HPV) play a significant role, so screening is necessary for every adult, regardless of habits.
Visit Us
Our office is conveniently located for patients in Aventura, Ojus, Highland Lakes, and those commuting from nearby areas like Sunny Isles Beach and Hallandale Beach.
