What's Included
- Completely painless examination
- Laser-assisted visualization of subsurface changes
- Detection of red patches, lesions, and leukoplakia
- Palpation of face, neck, and lymph nodes
- Annual screening recommended for all adults
According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, with more than 7,000 of those cases resulting in death. When caught early, oral cancer is effectively treatable. The challenge is that in its earliest stages, it produces no symptoms — making a professional examination essential.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a pathologic process that can originate in many areas of the mouth and face. Types include teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. The most common form is malignant squamous cell carcinoma, which typically originates in the lip and mouth tissue. Other common sites include:
- The tongue
- Salivary glands
- Throat and tonsils
- Gums
- Floor of the mouth
- Face and neck
More than 75% of oral cancers are associated with avoidable behaviors — particularly tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. Our dentists can provide counseling, literature, and resources for patients interested in reducing these risks.
What to Expect During the Exam
The oral cancer examination is completely painless and typically takes only a few minutes. Our dentists will:
- Visually inspect the entire oral cavity — lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, and throat — for color changes, asymmetry, or abnormal tissue
- Use laser technology to highlight pathologic changes below the surface that are invisible to the naked eye under normal lighting
- Palpate the face, jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for unusual firmness, asymmetry, or enlarged nodes
What We're Looking For
- Red patches (erythroplakia) on the floor of the mouth or front of the tongue — particularly those that bleed or fail to heal
- White or gray lesions (leukoplakia) — hardened, slightly raised areas inside the mouth that may indicate precancerous change
- Non-healing sores that persist beyond two to three weeks
- Lumps, thickening, or soreness anywhere in the mouth or throat
If Something Is Found
If our dentists identify any abnormality, lesion, or suspicious tissue, they will develop a clear next-step plan. Depending on the findings, this may include monitoring over a short period, a biopsy for laboratory analysis, or a referral for specialized evaluation. Treatment options for confirmed oral cancer vary by diagnosis and may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Annual screening is recommended for all adults, and is particularly important for patients who use tobacco, consume alcohol regularly, or have a prior history of oral lesions.
Reviewed by Dr. Stephen B. Hutton, DMD · Board-Certified Periodontist, Oral Plastic Surgery · Last updated
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Every adult should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year as part of routine dental care. Higher-risk patients — tobacco users, heavy alcohol consumers, HPV-positive individuals, and those with a history of oral cancer — may benefit from twice-yearly screenings.
What does an oral cancer exam involve?
A visual and tactile examination of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, throat, and lymph nodes of the neck. We use laser-assisted visualization technology to detect tissue changes that may not yet be visible to the naked eye. The exam is painless and takes only a few minutes.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Tobacco use (any form), heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, prolonged sun exposure on the lips, a family or personal history of cancer, and age over 40. Oral cancer is also increasingly diagnosed in patients without traditional risk factors — which is why universal screening matters.
Is oral cancer curable?
When detected early, the survival rate for oral cancer is very high — above 80%. The rate drops substantially once the cancer has spread. Early detection through regular screening is the single most important factor in outcomes, which is why we build it into every periodontal exam.
Ready to Start?
Our specialists will evaluate your situation and present clear options — no pressure, no guesswork.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are ready to improve your smile, protect your oral health, or explore your treatment options, our team is here to help you get started.
Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Book a Pre-Consultation Call and receive expert esthetic oral surgery care.