Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, yet early detection through regular screening can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. Many oral cancers develop silently in their early stages, making professional screening your first line of defense against this potentially life-threatening disease that can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and other areas of the mouth and neck.
At Sopris Smiles in Cherry Hills Village, Dr. Golnaz Samimifar provides comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of every examination. With over 1,000 hours of continuing education and advanced diagnostic technology, our thorough screening process identifies suspicious lesions and abnormalities in their earliest, most treatable stages.
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors significantly increase your risk. Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, represents the leading risk factor for oral cancer development. Heavy alcohol consumption also dramatically increases risk, and the combination of tobacco and alcohol use compounds the danger exponentially.
Other significant risk factors include prolonged sun exposure affecting the lips, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, age over 40, male gender, and poor oral hygiene. However, approximately 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people with no known risk factors, making regular screening essential for everyone regardless of lifestyle or health history.
Leukoplakia are thick, whitish-color patches forming on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or tongue. These patches are caused by excess cell growth and are common among tobacco users. They can result from irritations such as ill-fitting dentures or the habit of chewing on the inside of the cheek. Sometimes leukoplakia is associated with oral cancer, requiring professional evaluation and monitoring.
Early oral cancer often produces subtle symptoms easily overlooked or mistaken for minor irritations. Persistent mouth sores lasting more than two weeks, unexplained bleeding, chronic sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice quality all warrant professional evaluation.
Additional warning signs include white or red patches in the mouth, lumps or thickening in the cheek, neck swelling, persistent ear pain, and loose teeth without obvious cause. However, many early oral cancers produce no symptoms at all, emphasizing the critical importance of regular professional screening.
Advanced dental technology for efficient, comfortable treatments with same-day results and faster healing.
Our oral cancer screening goes far beyond visual examination to provide thorough assessment of all oral and throat structures. Every comprehensive examination includes oral cancer screening as a quick, painless check for early signs of disease, integrated seamlessly into your routine dental visit.
We systematically examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, roof and floor of your mouth, gums, and throat, looking for abnormal tissue changes, unusual growths, or suspicious lesions. Our examination includes palpation of your neck and jaw area to detect enlarged lymph nodes or other abnormalities often associated with oral cancer.
Advanced digital scanning technology allows us to detect issues invisible to the naked eye. Early detection through comprehensive screening provides the opportunity for preventive care and intervention before conditions progress to more serious stages requiring invasive treatment.
We utilize CBCT (cone beam CT scan) technology as part of comprehensive evaluations, providing three-dimensional imaging of oral and throat structures. This advanced imaging helps identify abnormalities in areas difficult to examine visually and provides detailed information about tissue density and structure.
Our screening process also evaluates factors contributing to oral cancer risk, including tongue posture and swallowing patterns, tethered oral tissues, and airway health. These comprehensive assessments help identify patients at higher risk and ensure appropriate monitoring and follow-up care.
Discover the difference at Sopris Smiles with Dr. Golnaz Samimifar. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile!
Early detection dramatically improves oral cancer treatment outcomes and survival rates. When caught in early stages, oral cancer treatment success rates exceed 80%, compared to significantly lower survival rates for advanced cases. Early intervention also typically requires less aggressive treatment approaches, preserving more normal function and appearance.
Regular screening appointments allow us to establish baseline conditions and monitor changes over time. Suspicious areas can be tracked and evaluated through photography and measurements, ensuring any concerning developments receive prompt attention and appropriate referral when necessary.
The following factors make regular screening particularly important for certain patients:
Professional screening provides peace of mind and early intervention when needed most.
Oral cancer screening represents just one component of our comprehensive approach to oral health care. We believe your mouth serves as a window to your whole body health, making thorough examinations essential for detecting not only dental problems but also systemic health concerns.
Our holistic evaluation considers how oral health connects to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and other systemic conditions. Approximately 40% of the 1.25 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year develop oral complications from their cancer therapy, making ongoing oral health monitoring essential for cancer patients.
This comprehensive approach ensures you receive thorough care addressing both immediate oral health needs and broader health concerns that may manifest in the mouth and throat areas.
Early detection saves lives, and regular oral cancer screening provides the best protection against this serious disease. Dr. Golnaz Samimifar and our experienced team combine thorough examination techniques with advanced technology to ensure comprehensive screening as part of every visit.
As members of prestigious organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association, we bring extensive knowledge and clinical experience to every screening appointment. Our patient-centric approach ensures you receive gentle, thorough care while building the foundation for lifelong oral and overall health. Contact us today at (303) 761-2999 or schedule your comprehensive examination with oral cancer screening online to protect your health through early detection and prevention.
We’re conveniently located in Englewood, CO, serving both Englewood and Cherry Hills communities in the charming Marks complex. Our office offers free, dedicated parking in an abundant on-site lot, ensuring a stress-free arrival for every visit. Located just off Hampden Ave (US-285) with quick access to Broadway, Lincoln, I-25, and C-470, we’re perfectly positioned for easy access from all parts of the Denver metro area. Whether you’re driving or taking public transit, getting to your appointment has never been more convenient.
Sopris Smiles is thrilled to welcome the patients of Dr. Gregory Bevans
