Start the Year Off with an Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening may not be at the top of your health care to-do list, but it is one of the quickest and easiest cancer screenings available. With spring approaching—and April recognized as Oral Cancer Awareness Month—now is the perfect time to schedule a screening with your dentist.

This simple exam takes only a few minutes and can detect early signs of oral cancer, allowing treatment to begin as soon as possible. Early detection can make a significant difference in both treatment success and recovery.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer affects the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, head, and neck. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in the cells that line the mouth. It may appear on the lips, tongue, under the tongue, hard palate, or in the back of the throat.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Sores or lesions in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inside the cheeks
• Thickened or rough patches of tissue
• Unexplained bleeding, numbness, or pain in the mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• Changes in the voice, including hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase the risk. These include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), and excessive sun exposure to the lips.

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter

Regular oral cancer screenings allow dentists to identify early warning signs and precancerous conditions such as erythroplakia (red patch) or leukoplakia (white patch). Detecting these changes early can help prevent cancer from developing or spreading.

Early diagnosis also allows for less invasive treatment and improves survival rates while reducing the risk of facial or oral disfigurement.

Many early signs of oral cancer go unnoticed because they are painless and difficult to see. A small sore may seem harmless, but professional screenings can identify problems before symptoms become severe.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening typically takes less than 15 minutes and is often performed during a routine dental visit. Your dentist will visually examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and palate using a mirror and light to check for unusual patches or lumps. They will also gently feel your neck and jaw for swelling or hardened areas. In some cases, special lights or dyes may be used to highlight abnormal tissue.

If anything, suspicious is found, your dentist may recommend monitoring the area or refer you to an oral surgeon, such as Dr. Valiente. A small tissue sample may be taken and sent for biopsy if needed.

Protect Your Health with Early Detection

The success rate for treating oral cancer decreases as the disease progresses. Routine screenings are one of the best ways to detect problems early and avoid more complex treatment later.

If you are overdue for a dental visit, consider scheduling an oral cancer screening. It only takes a few minutes and it could save your smile or even your life.