Comprehensive Screening and Care for Patients at High Risk for Oral Cancer

Oral pre-cancers are abnormal sores or patches in the mouth that could lead to oral cancer.

The Oral Pre-cancer Clinic at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute identifies and treats oral lesions and other oral cancer precursors before they progress.

Alessandro Villa, DDS, Ph.D., MPH, chief of oral medicine, oral oncology and dentistry at Miami Cancer Institute, leads the Oral Pre-cancer Clinic. The Clinic offers specialized screening and comprehensive care for patients at high risk of developing oral cancer.

What Is Oral Pre-cancer?

Oral pre-cancers may appear as white or gray patches, known as leukoplakia. They can also appear as red patches, called erythroplakia. Oral pre-cancer may alternatively take the form of cuts or sores that fail to heal quickly. Oral pre-cancer can affect any area of the mouth including the lips.

These pre-cancerous spots can have a high risk of progressing to cancer if left untreated.

Most oral precancers show oral dysplasia under the microscope. Oral dysplasia occurs when abnormal cells develop in the soft tissues of the mouth.

How Is Oral Pre-cancer Diagnosed?

If a mouth sore or patch of discoloration has not resolved on its own in 3-4 weeks, you should have a physician or dentist check for signs of pre-cancer and see a specialist for a possible biopsy.

Oral medicine physicians at the Oral Pre-cancer Clinic can conduct a screening and perform an oral biopsy for definitive diagnosis.

During this process, oral samples are collected and then reviewed under a microscope to determine levels of abnormality. Patients diagnosed with severe oral dysplasia have high levels of abnormality and are more likely to develop future oral cancer.

How Are Oral Pre-cancers Treated?

Depending on its severity and clinical presentation, oral pre-cancer may either be monitored every 4-6 months or treated with surgery or laser ablation. Some cases may also be treated with topical medications.

Our oral medicine specialists work closely with the Baptist Health Head and Neck Cancer specialists for the most severe cases of oral pre-cancers that require large surgical procedures.

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Oral Cancer?

Patients may be more likely to develop oral pre-cancer and oral cancer if they:

  • Use tobacco: Smoking or using tobacco products of any kind is a leading risk factor for developing oral cancer.
  • Drink alcohol excessively: Heavy alcohol consumption can cause certain cancers of the mouth.
  • Are over age 40: Most patients diagnosed with oral cancers are middle-aged and older.
  • Have a family history of cancer: Certain patients may be more genetically predisposed to developing oral cancers than others.
  • Eat poorly: Eating a diet without adequate fruits and vegetables can lead to an array of cancers, including oral cancer.
  • Are immunosuppressed

Patients with oral pre-cancers can take proactive steps to reduce their future cancer likelihood. For example, you can stop smoking, reduce alcohol intake and get annual oral cancer screenings.

The transition time from oral pre-cancer diagnosis to cancer onset can take months to years. Early detection is associated with better outcomes.

Schedule an Appointment

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the Oral Pre-Cancer Clinic at Miami Cancer Institute, please contact us.

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