Oral Cancer Screening

in Boulder, Colorado

Cancer Screening – Most people know that dentists check for cavities during routine dental exams but few realize that dentists check for oral cancer at the same time. Oral cancer is surprisingly common and can be serious, even deadly. It can be prevented, however, and is treatable with early detection. Oral cancer screening is part of the routine dental exam Dr. Birnbach performs on people in the Boulder or Longmont, Colorado areas. Dr Birnbach uses the VIZILITE system, a state of the art, non invasive, painless technique for heightened screening.

Oral cancer most frequently occurs on the tongue, lips, gums, and the floor of the mouth. Symptoms include:

• White or red lesions
• Lumps in or around the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth or throat
• Difficulty swallowing

While some of these symptoms may be visible, oral cancer is usually painless in the early stages.

It is difficult to determine the precise causes of oral cancer although certain habits and behaviors lead to an increased risk of oral cancer. These include:

• Smoking
• Using chewing tobacco
• Excessive alcohol use
• Frequent exposure to the sun

Cancer screening is already part of your routine dental exam with Dr. Birnbach. The comprehensive patient history includes questions that enable Dr. Birnbach to determine your predisposition to oral cancer. During the exam, Dr. Birnbach checks your mouth, tongue, and gum tissue for lesions and abnormalities. He also checks your head and neck for lumps.

If Dr. Birnbach suspects oral cancer, the VIZILITE system will be utilized and if deemed appropriate, Dr. Birnbach can refer you to a specialist who can discuss surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.