Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.

What to Expect

Your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and tongue and in some patients may notice a flat, painless, white or red spot or a small sore. Although most of these are harmless, some are not. Harmful oral spots or sores often look identical to those that are harmless, but testing can tell them apart. If you have a sore with a likely cause, such as a bitten cheek, your dentist may monitor it to see if it goes away.

Risk Factors

While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors can increase your risk:

• Tobacco use of any kind (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco)
• Heavy alcohol use
• Previous oral cancer diagnosis
• History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer

Early detection is key. If you notice any changes in your mouth, such as a sore that doesn't heal, a lump, or a white or red patch, contact us immediately for an evaluation.