Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical exam where Dr. Fenton checks your mouth, throat, and neck for signs of cancer or precancerous changes. During the screening, we look for unusual spots, sores, lumps, or color changes in your mouth, tongue, lips, and throat. We also feel your neck and under your jaw for swollen lymph nodes. This screening is included in every routine dental exam to catch problems early when treatment is most effective.

Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves treatment success rates. When caught early, oral cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 80%, but this drops significantly when found in later stages. Since oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms, regular screenings help identify problems before you notice anything unusual. Many oral cancers are found during routine dental visits rather than by patients themselves.

Oral cancer screening is completely painless and takes just a few minutes. Dr. Fenton will look inside your mouth with a light and use a tongue depressor to see all areas clearly. He’ll also gently feel your neck, jaw, and throat area with his hands to check for lumps or swollen glands. You might need to stick out your tongue or move it around, but there’s no discomfort involved.

Everyone should have regular oral cancer screenings as part of their dental checkups, regardless of age. However, some people have higher risk factors including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, or family history of cancer. Men over 40 and people who spend lots of time in the sun also have increased risk. Even if you have no risk factors, screening is still important since oral cancer can affect anyone.

If Dr. Fenton finds anything unusual, he’ll likely recommend monitoring the area for a few weeks or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Many suspicious spots turn out to be harmless, but it’s important to have them checked properly. If a biopsy is needed, a specialist will remove a small tissue sample for laboratory testing. Remember, finding something early is always better than waiting.

Oral cancer screening is included in your routine dental exams, so most people are screened every six months. This frequency is usually adequate for early detection. However, if you have high risk factors or a history of oral cancer, Dr. Fenton might recommend more frequent screenings. Some patients also do monthly self-exams at home to check for changes between visits.

Yes, oral cancer screening is typically covered as part of your routine dental exam. Since it’s included in the standard examination, there’s usually no additional charge for the screening itself. Most dental insurance plans cover routine exams at 100%, which includes the oral cancer screening. If further testing is needed, coverage depends on your specific plan and whether it’s done by a medical or dental specialist.