Oral Cancer Exam
Early detection screenings that support oral cancer prevention and timely treatment.
What to know
Oral Cancer Exam, explained.
What it is, how it works and how it helps, in plain words.
An oral cancer exam is a screening for early signs of cancer or precancerous changes in the mouth, throat, lips, and tongue. It's usually performed as part of your regular dental checkup.
Your dentist looks closely at the inside of your cheeks, your gums and tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. They also gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps or swelling and ask about any sores or changes you've noticed.
Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, so changes can go unnoticed. Finding a suspicious area early makes treatment simpler and more effective, and many spots that look concerning turn out to be harmless once they're checked.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Common questions about oral cancer exam.
Risk is higher for people who use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, have HPV infection, or have had a lot of sun exposure to the lips. Oral cancer can also occur in people with no known risk factors, which is why routine screening matters for everyone.
Call the office if you notice a sore that hasn't healed within two weeks, a white or red patch, a lump, ongoing hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. Most of these turn out to be minor, but they should always be checked.
Your dentist may recheck the area in a couple of weeks to see whether it has healed. If it persists, you may be referred for a biopsy, which is the only way to know for certain what a spot is.
Oral Cancer Exam near you.
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