Comprehensive Oral Cancer Screening in Raleigh, NC - Six Forks

An oral cancer screening is a simple, quick part of your regular dental checkup and usually takes just a few minutes! Our expert dental professional performs a gentle visual and manual examination of your lips, tongue, cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth to look for any subtle tissue changes. This process is non-invasive and requires absolutely no special preparation on your part. We use special tools like white light, harmless dyes, or VELscope technology to help us spot any abnormalities early. Since it's done at every routine visit, it's an easy way to stay proactive with your long-term health!

Although in 25% of the cases there are no known risk factors, Annual screening is still very important. The primary risk factors of oral cancer are:

• Smoking: It is the biggest factor, increasing your risk by up to 40 times
• Heavy alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking increases your risk by about 6 times.
• HPV infection: Human Papillomavirus, especially strains affecting the oropharynx, is a growing cause.
• Age and gender: The risk increases for people over 40, and men are about twice as likely to be diagnosed as women.
• Sun exposure: Spending time in the sun without protection can increase the risk of lip cancer.‍
• Other factors: Poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation, family history, and immune suppression also play a role.

Our quick and friendly 2-minute screening protocol is a standard, painless part of every checkup. We begin with a quick review of your medical history, focusing on factors like tobacco and alcohol use or any HPV-related symptoms. Then we do a visual exam of your mouth and tongue. We also use special lighting to help us identify any subtle abnormalities early. If anything suspicious is found, we provide full documentation, including photography, and give you a referral to a specialist. It's a simple and easy way to prioritize your peace of mind and long-term health!

Early detection for oral cancer is truly a game-changer! When oral cancer is caught in Stage I, the 5-year survival rate is 85%, compared to 40% when discovered in later stages. Aside from improving your survival rate, early treatment is significantly less invasive and usually just needs minor surgery rather than more intense chemotherapy or radiation. Being proactive helps preserve your ability to speak and swallow naturally and keep your facial appearance intact. It’s also much more cost-effective compared to more advanced treatments. A 2-minute screening provides peace of mind and can be life-saving!

It’s important to know the signs of oral cancer, but don't panic if you spot something because a lot of these symptoms can be caused by less serious issues, too! If you notice any of them lasting for more than 10 days, please call us right away to get it checked out. Here are the signs to watch out for:

• A persistent sore that won’t heal after two weeks
• White or reddish patches inside your mouth
• Unexplained bleeding
• Persistent numbness, pain, or tenderness
• Loose teeth or swelling of the jaw
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or a feeling that something is caught in your throat
• A chronic sore throat, ear pain, or lumps in the neck

For most patients, we recommend a quick screening every six months during your routine dental cleaning. If you fall into a higher-risk category, such as heavy tobacco or alcohol use, or a history of HPV, we suggest coming in every three months for a closer look. For our new patients, we always start with a baseline screening to establish their oral health foundation. We also offer annual oncology coordination for those in post-treatment care. Remember, the ADA endorses these routine checks for all adults, and because oral cancer can progress silently without any symptoms, these regular visits are the best way to detect it early and avoid complications later on.