Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral Cancer Screenings in Waltham, MA

Oral cancer screenings are quick, noninvasive, and painless evaluations that allow dental professionals to check for early warning signs of cancer in the mouth. During a screening, your provider examines the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, floor and roof of the mouth, and the back of the throat. They look for any unusual lumps, red or white patches, sores, thickened tissue, or unexplained changes in color or texture.

If anything appears suspicious, your dentist may recommend additional testing such as special imaging, a biopsy, or referral to an oral surgeon or oncologist. These screenings are an essential part of routine dental care and significantly increase the chances of detecting oral cancer early—when treatment is most effective.

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter

Oral cancer is among the most common head and neck cancers, affecting tens of thousands of individuals every year. Early detection directly impacts survival: when discovered early, oral cancer has far higher treatment success rates and fewer long-term complications. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed in later stages simply because early symptoms often go unnoticed.

Regular dental visits that include screenings can identify concerning changes before they become serious, giving patients the best chance for successful treatment and recovery.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Major risk contributors include:

Tobacco use (smoking, cigars, vaping, or chewing tobacco)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Age over 40
Frequent sun exposure, especially for lip cancer
Weakened immune system
Chronic irritation from broken teeth or ill-fitting dentures
Poor nutrition or vitamin deficiencies
Family history of oral or related cancers

Even people without these risk factors can develop oral cancer, which is why routine screenings remain important for everyone.

Can You Perform Oral Cancer Self-Exams?

While self-checks are not a substitute for professional exams, they can help you stay aware of changes. Once a month, examine the inside of the cheeks, tongue, gums, lips, and neck using: