Oral Cancer Exams

Fort Lee, NJ

Introduction to Oral Cancer Exams

At North Jersey Dental Group in Fort Lee, we encourage patients to undergo an oral cancer screening as soon as possible, as it can be a life-saving measure. Oral cancer does not receive the same public outcry as many of its disease counterparts, which adds to its deadliness. Most patients do not seek treatment until the cancer has advanced to its final stage. However, early detection is critical for ensuring your longevity and well-being. Dr. Ali N. Weiselberg, D.D.S., has a core mission of providing outstanding, comprehensive dental care to her patients in and beyond New Jersey, including in-depth oral cancer exams for optimized peace of mind.

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What is an Oral Cancer Exam?

According to research by the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, with over 7,000 cases being fatal. With an annual oral cancer exam, the disease can be diagnosed and combated at its earliest stages. Treatment is 90% successful when oral cancer is rooted out during its inception phase.

What is Oral Cancer Exactly?

Oral cancer begins asymptomatically. This is why oral cancer screenings are so essential for your health. Types of oral cancer include teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma, with the most common version being malignant squamous cell carcinoma, originating in lip and mouth tissues.

Oral cancer can occur in a variety of places within the oral cavity and maxillofacial region:

  • Lips
  • Mouth
  • Tongue
  • Salivary glands
  • Throat
  • Gums
  • Face

Why Are Oral Cancer Examinations So Important?

The majority of oral cancers are linked to modifiable behaviors like smoking, tobacco use, and alcoholism. Dr. Weiselberg can provide you with literature and support if you wish to make important lifestyle changes to protect yourself against disease. 

If you notice any abnormalities in the tongue, gums, or mouth, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Your provider will meticulously examine all oral and maxillofacial regions to check for pathologic changes.

The following signs will be investigated during your oral cancer exam:

  • Red patches and sores – pathologic (cancerous) changes may be indicated if red patches are present on the floor of the mouth or the front and sides of the tongue. Poor-healing white or pink patches and sores that bleed easily may also be indicative of disease.
  • Leukoplakia – A hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion appearing anywhere in the mouth may be a sign of cancer or may lead to oral cancer in the future.
  • Lumps – Lumps, soreness, or tissue thickening anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.

What Are the Benefits of an Oral Cancer Exam?

An oral cancer screening can be life-saving and comes with a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Catches disease at its earliest stages
  • Provides a powerful incentive for committing to lifestyle changes
  • Provides a possible explanation for troubling symptoms like ulcerations and loose teeth
  • Enhances peace of mind and well-being
  • Elevates self-care

Who Are the Best Candidates for an Oral Cancer Exam?

Everyone can benefit from annual oral cancer exams. However, these screenings are especially important for patients with higher risk factors for oral cancer. Common risk factors include:

  • A personal or family history of oral cancer
  • Tobacco use and smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Being over the age of 55
  • Having a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Not using sun protection on the lips
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Let’s Get Started

What’s the
first step?

When you come to our Fort Lee office for your oral cancer screening, you will meet with Dr. Ali Weiselberg. She provides a compassionate and thorough approach to your care and will ensure you feel relaxed and at ease before conducting your screening. Oral cancer exams are not painful but can mean the difference between life and death for some patients.

What to Expect From an Oral Cancer Exam

Unlike many other dental procedures, oral cancer exams are completely painless. During the visual component of the screening, your dentist will check for abnormalities and manually examine the face, neck, and glands, looking for bumps or lumps. A cutting-edge technology called ViziLite Plus can also be used to detect premalignant lesions and oral cancer early. After you rinse out your mouth, a specially designed light source is used to evaluate your oral tissues, detecting anomalies that are not apparent under conventional lighting. You should undergo a detailed oral cancer screening at least once a year.

What Happens After the Screening?

If everything looks normal during your oral cancer exam, you can proceed with the rest of your dental care and return for another evaluation within 6-12 months. If anything abnormal is detected, you will be scheduled for further testing to confirm an oral cancer diagnosis.

Fair & Transparent Pricing

How Much Does an Oral Cancer Exam Cost in New Jersey?

Oral cancer screenings can range from $70 to $120 in Fort Lee and the Northern New Jersey area. These screenings may also be included in regular dental examinations at an additional $10-$40 fee. During your consultation, Dr. Weiselberg and her team will provide a clear and easy-to-understand quote for services so there are no surprises down the line.

Why Choose North Jersey Dental Group?

Ali N. Weiselberg, D.D.S., F.I.C.O.I, is the founder of and primary dentist at North Jersey Dental Group, P.A. Her core mission is to provide personalized, high-quality, comprehensive dental care for both children and adults; elevating patients’ quality of life, confidence, and well-being.

Since 2006, Dr. Weiselberg has been licensed to practice in both New Jersey and New York. She served on the Board of Directors of New York University’s College of Dentistry’s Alumni Association since September 2009 and was nominated as among the Best 50 Women In Business in the State of New Jersey by NJBIZ in 2011. Dr. Weiselberg was also honored as a Professional Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women in 2009 and 2010. She is a Lifetime Member of the prestigious group the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs. Additionally, Dr. Weiselberg is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the North Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

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Oral Cancer Exams FAQ’S

Contact us Today!

Schedule your
consultation

No one should fall prey to oral cancer and have their life ruined by a disease that can be detected and treated early with a 90% success rate. At North Jersey Dental Group in Fort Lee, Dr. Weiselberg is eager to schedule and conduct your annual oral cancer exam to ensure you remain healthy and disease-free. Oral cancer can be undetectable and asymptomatic in its initial stages, which is why it is so critical to get the care you need – before you think you need it. You can call the office directly at 201-461-4800 or use our online request form to schedule your private consultation and screening.

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