Oral cancer screening

During a screening, we look at and feel the tissues in and around your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, your throat, and your neck and jaw. We are looking for any sore, patch, lump, or change that does not belong.

Many early changes do not hurt, so they can go unnoticed for a long time. Finding something early usually means more treatment options and a better outlook. Most changes we find turn out to be harmless, but anything unusual is worth a closer look.

• A sore that does not heal. Especially one lasting longer than two weeks.
• White or red patches. Anywhere inside the mouth.
• A lump or thick spot. In the cheek, tongue, or neck.
• Ongoing pain or numbness. In the mouth or lips.
• Trouble chewing or swallowing. Or a feeling that something is caught in your throat.
• A lasting change in your voice. Hoarseness that does not go away.

• Tobacco use of any kind.
• Heavy alcohol use.
• Frequent sun exposure. This raises the risk for lip cancer.
• HPV infection.
• A previous history of oral cancer.

Oral cancer can also occur in people with none of these risk factors, which is why screening matters for everyone.

A screening is quick and painless. Ask us about it at your next exam, especially if you have any of the risk factors above.