Cosmetic Dentist Serving Lakewood, Denver, Golden & Nearby Colorado
Every hour, one person dies from oral cancer in America. This death rate has remained relatively unchanged for more than four decades. Surprisingly, more than 25 percent of people with oral cancer have no lifestyle risk factors. However, when oral cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is 90 percent successful.
Dr. Scott Greenhalgh is proud to offer patients throughout the Denver area an early diagnosis tool called ViziLite technology. Call our office in Lakewood at 303-988-9060 to learn more about our general dentistry services.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer, also called oral cavity cancer, is cancer that develops in any part of the mouth. This type of cancer can appear on the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, or underneath the tongue. Though often treatable, oral cancer can affect your overall health, anywhere from making it difficult to eat to cancerous cells spreading to surrounding organs. Some treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and, in serious cases, chemotherapy.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer has been linked to the following risk factors:
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc., can increase your risk for oral cancer.
- Heavy alcohol consumption: A single alcoholic beverage is three ounces of hard liquor, four ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer, and consuming at least one alcoholic drink per day can increase your risk.
- Immune deficiencies: HIV, AIDS, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV 16/18, can all cause cancer in the mouth.
- Age 40+: The older you are, the greater the risk of developing oral cancer, even if you do not use tobacco or alcohol or have any immune deficiency.
What Are the Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can be treated if detected early on, so it is important to pay attention to the following warning signs to determine whether or not it’s a symptom of oral cancer:
- A lip or mouth sore that doesn't heal
- A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
- Loose teeth
- A growth or lump inside your mouth
- Mouth pain
- Ear pain
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- A sore throat or a persistent feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
If I Am Diagnosed With Oral Cancer, How Quickly Should I Seek Treatment?
The earlier you can detect oral cancer, the more successful your treatment will be. About 28% of oral cancers are detected and diagnosed in the early stage, making them treatable. If the cancer is diagnosed at this stage, the 5-year relative survival rate for all people is 86%. If some time has passed, and cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate drops down to 69%.
ViziLite Oral Cancer Screening
Scott Greenhalgh DDS offers oral cancer screening using ViziLite. ViziLite is a technology for early detection of any abnormal tissue in your mouth that is not visible during a regular exam. The early detection of precancerous tissue can minimize and even eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer. It can also save your life.
When oral cancer is diagnosed in its later stages, treatment is expensive and has a poor survival rate. ViziLite technology is the only device approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for identifying and monitoring oral abnormalities that could lead to cancer.
How ViziLite Works
The ViziLite is used immediately after a regular visual exam. Here’s what to expect from the procedure:
- Dr. Greenhalgh will have you rinse with a special solution
- He will dim the overhead lighting
- He will then shine the ViziLite on your mouth tissue
With the rinsing solution still on it, any abnormal tissue will appear lighter in color, as it does not absorb the light. Healthy tissue reacts differently to the rinsing solution and appears darker in color.
Why Choose Scott Greenhalgh, DDS?
Dr. Greenhalgh has been serving the communities of Lakewood, Denver, Golden, and nearby areas for many years. A graduate of the University of Colorado, he has remained in Denver since 1978 and has cultivated a reputation for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. His practice offers a relaxing and pleasant environment where we’ll guide you safely toward your health or aesthetic goals.
Dr. Greenhalgh's experience and education allow him to handle a wide range of cosmetic dental needs. From porcelain veneers to dental implants, his approach to cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics and functionality of the dental work. He is involved in numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which helps him stay at the forefront of dental techniques and technologies. This dedication, combined with a compassionate team and a track record of successful patient outcomes, ensures that you’ll have a lasting partner who will care for your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Stages of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is categorized into these four stages:
- Stage I: The cancer is small, confined to one area, and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage II: The cancer is larger but still confined to one area, with no lymph node involvement.
- Stage III: The cancer has grown larger and/or spread to one or more nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body or is affecting several lymph nodes.
How Can Oral Cancer Be Prevented?
You can help prevent oral cancer by reducing the following risk factors:
- Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
- Protect lips from the sun using a lip balm with SPF.
- Consider getting vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV).
What Is the Survival Rate for Oral Cancer?
The 5-year relative survival rate for oral cancer varies by stage:
- Localized (early stage): Approximately 86%
- Regional (spread to nearby structures): About 69%
- Distant (spread to distant parts of the body): Around 40%
What Nutrition Is Recommended for Oral Cancer Patients?
In general, we recommend these diet tips if you have oral cancer:
- Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods.
- Eat high-calorie and high-protein foods to maintain weight and muscle mass.
- Stay hydrated with fluids.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or hard foods that can irritate the mouth.
How Often Should I Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are recommended annually, especially for those at higher risk due to factors like age, tobacco use, and heavy alcohol consumption.
Can Screening Be Done at Home?
While some aspects of oral health monitoring can be done at home, professional screenings are key to detecting oral cancer. Regular self-exams can help you spot changes or abnormalities that should be evaluated by a dentist.
Who Should Consider Getting an Oral Cancer Screening?
Anyone over the age of 40 or those with significant risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use should consider regular screenings. Younger individuals with risk factors, especially HPV, should also seek regular evaluations.
Make Your Oral Health a Priority
Please visit Dr. Greenhalgh for an annual oral cancer screening if you are at increased risk for oral cancer. All cancers are more successfully treated when they are diagnosed in the early stages. Oral screening is the only way to reduce the death rate of oral cancer.
Call 303-988-9060 today or click here to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff is pleased to help patients in Lakewood and throughout the Denver area protect their oral health.
