Oral cancer affects about 54,540 people in the United States each year, but catching it early makes a huge difference. When your dentist spots oral cancer in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate jumps to over 80%. Fortunately, a quick, painless screening during your regular checkup could be the thing that catches a problem before it becomes serious.
Here at SmileWorks in Midtown East Manhattan, we include thorough oral cancer screenings in every dental exam. We use our state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to provide the most comprehensive evaluation possible. Our award-winning team treats you like family, ensuring you receive the caring, smart dental care you deserve.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Think of an oral cancer screening as a head-to-toe inspection for your mouth. Your dentist looks and feels around your entire oral area to spot anything unusual, like weird bumps, color changes, or tissue that just doesn’t look quite right. We examine your mouth, throat, tongue, lips, and surrounding areas. The whole screening takes just a few minutes during your regular visit, and you don’t need to do anything special to prepare.
Your dentist examines all the soft tissues in your mouth, including your gums, the inside of your cheeks, your tongue from top to bottom, and both the floor and roof of your mouth. We’ll also check your lips, face, and neck for any swelling or lumps. If we find something unusual, we may recommend a biopsy or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Catching issues early makes all the difference in treatment and outcomes.
Who Should Get Screened?
Everyone benefits from regular oral cancer screenings, no matter your age or whether you think you’re at risk. You should get screened routinely as part of your regular dental care. While adults over 40 have higher risk factors, younger people can develop oral cancer, too. Your risk goes up if you use tobacco products, drink alcohol regularly, or have a history of HPV infection.
You should get screened more often if you’ve had oral cancer before, spend a lot of time in the sun without protecting your lips, or have a weakened immune system. Notice a mouth sore hanging around longer than it should, trouble swallowing, or numbness in your mouth? Give us a call right away. Regular screenings give you peace of mind and help us catch problems while they’re still easy to treat.
The Oral Cancer Screening Process
We begin your oral cancer screening by discussing your health history, any symptoms you’ve noticed, and your lifestyle. If you wear dentures or other dental appliances, we’ll have you remove them so we can see everything clearly. Using gloves and good lighting, we’ll look at your lips, gums, and all your oral tissues for anything unusual, such as unusual colors, sores, or growths.
Next, we’ll gently feel around your neck, jaw, and under your chin to check for any lumps or abnormal spots. We’ll ask you to stick your tongue out and move it around so we can examine both the top and underside. Sometimes, we use special dyes or lights to highlight areas we can’t see with the naked eye. The whole thing feels totally comfortable and takes about five to ten minutes.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer to Watch For
Between your visits to our Manhattan office, keep an eye out for anything unusual. White or red patches inside your mouth need attention, especially if they’re on your tongue or cheeks. Any sore or ulcer lasting more than two weeks should get checked out, even if it doesn’t hurt.
Other red flags include unexplained bleeding in your mouth, persistent bad breath, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and teeth that suddenly fit together differently. You may notice numbness or loss of sensation in your mouth. A lump or thick spot in your cheek, neck swelling, or a sore throat that sticks around also deserves a professional look. If your voice sounds hoarse or different for more than two weeks, don’t brush it off.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
Tobacco is the biggest risk factor for oral cancer, whether you’re smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using smokeless tobacco. Heavy drinking significantly increases your risk, especially when you combine it with tobacco use. HPV, particularly HPV-16, has been linked to more oral cancer cases in younger adults lately.
You can lower your risk with some simple lifestyle changes. Quit all tobacco products and cut back on alcohol. Protect your lips from the sun with SPF lip balm. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. Load up on fruits and vegetables, which give your body protective antioxidants. HPV vaccination might help reduce your risk of HPV-related oral cancers, too.
Treatment Options for Oral Cancer After Detection
If we spot something suspicious during your screening, we’ll likely order a biopsy to figure out whether cancer cells are present. A biopsy just means removing a tiny tissue sample for the lab to analyze. You’ll usually get results within one to two weeks, giving you definitive answers about what’s going on.
Your treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, where it’s located, and your overall health. Early-stage cancers may require only surgery to remove the affected tissue. More advanced cases could require radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments. Many patients see excellent results when cancer gets caught during routine dental screenings. Your healthcare team will develop a treatment plan customized for you.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening at SmileWorks in Manhattan
Regular oral cancer screenings save lives through early detection. Our Midtown East office offers complete screenings using advanced technology in a comfortable environment where your whole family feels welcome. We believe every patient deserves thorough, compassionate care focused on prevention and catching problems early.
Don’t put it off until symptoms show up. Reach out to us today to schedule your comprehensive dental examination, including an oral cancer screening. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Jin Sup Shin, delivers smart dental care for your entire family in our state-of-the-art facility.