Oral cancer screenings

Oral Cancer Screenings

Early Detection At Marc A. Minch, DMD

Oral cancer screenings are performed during your routine hygiene visits and are an important part of preventative care. At Marc A. Minch, DMD, we prioritize this essential service to ensure your well-being. Dr. Minch, Dr. Newton and our dedicated team are committed to providing comprehensive care with a focus on early detection and prevention. Learn more about oral cancer screenings and why they’re important.

What Are Oral Cancer Screenings?

An oral cancer screening is a routine exam used to identify early signs of oral cancer or precancerous growths. During an oral cancer screening, we will examine your mouth, including your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks and even the roof of your mouth. We will also feel around your face and jaw for any bumps. When it comes to this exam, Dr. Minch and Dr. Newton are meticulous in assessing for any abnormalities or changes.

Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?

Oral cancers can include cancers of the mouth, tongue or even jaw, and they are the most common cancers of the head and neck, which means it’s especially important to screen for them. Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can improve your overall outcome. Since oral cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms, regular screenings are essential. By detecting abnormalities at an early stage, we can provide prompt intervention to prevent the cancer from progressing.

Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screenings?

Everyone should receive screenings. If you are at higher risk, due to tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption or a history of oral cancer, it is especially important that you get checked out. This assessment is an integral part of maintaining oral health and should be a routine part of your dental care. Expect Dr. Minch or Dr. Newton to perform a screening at your bi-annual hygiene visits.

What To Expect During Oral Cancer Screenings

Your screening will only take about five minutes. During an oral cancer screening, we will examine your mouth, including your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks and even the roof of your mouth. You can expect:

We will conduct a detailed exam of your face, neck and mouth and check for any unusual lesions, discolorations or growths. This also includes checking the surrounding lymph nodes for any signs of swelling.

We will be sure to discuss any findings with you. We will also answer any questions you may have about oral cancer and preventative care—we believe that preventative care is key!

At-Home Screening Tips

While in-office oral cancer screenings are important, knowing what to look for at home can help catch anything early, as well. Look out for the following symptoms and signs:

  • Swelling along your jaw, cheeks or neck
  • Lumps or bumps in your mouth or on your lips
  • Lesions/patches of white or red on the inside of your cheeks
  • Discoloration
  • Any swelling or sore spots
  • Persistent sore throat or voice changes
  • Mouth ulcers or sores that will not heal
  • Unexplained pain, numbness or soreness in/around your mouth or neck
  • Earaches
  • Rough patches in your mouth

FAQs About Oral Cancer Screenings

Protecting your overall health starts with paying attention to changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. Regular dental visits with Dr. Minch provide an opportunity to identify potential concerns and discuss anything unusual you may have noticed. Early awareness can play an important role in helping you stay informed about changes affecting your mouth. To help you better understand this important part of preventative dentistry, we’ve answered some common questions below:

How often are oral cancer screenings performed?

Oral cancer screenings can be incorporated into your routine dental visits, providing an opportunity to keep an eye on your oral health and check for changes you may not have noticed on your own. These visits also give you time to talk with Dr. Minch about anything that feels unusual or any concerns you may have.

No. This examination is noninvasive, comfortable and generally takes only a few moments to complete during your dental visit. Dr. Minch will carefully inspect the inside of your mouth and the areas around it for anything unusual, making the screening a simple and convenient part of maintaining awareness of your oral health.

Yes. Early signs may not always be noticeable, which means a person may not experience pain or other obvious concerns right away. Regular dental visits provide an additional opportunity for changes to be recognized and evaluated, even when you have not noticed anything unusual.

What happens if an abnormality is found?

Finding an unusual area does not necessarily mean oral cancer is present. Changes in the mouth can sometimes be related to irritation, injury, infection or other noncancerous conditions. If Dr. Minch and our team notice something that warrants further attention, they will take the time to discuss their observations with you, answer your questions and help you understand any recommendations for moving forward.

Oral cancer can affect people of different ages, including younger adults. While individual risk can vary, maintaining regular dental visits provides an opportunity to discuss concerns and check for unusual signs or changes, regardless of your age.

Yes. Contact our team if you notice any changes that persist or feel unusual, even when they are not causing discomfort. Sharing these concerns gives our team an opportunity to take a closer look, answer your questions and discuss whether any next steps may be recommended.

Contact Us Today

If you have any concerns about oral cancer symptoms, please follow up with your primary care physician. If you have any questions about oral cancer screenings, we’re happy to answer them at your next appointment. If you’re due for your hygiene visit, contact us today by filling out our online form or by calling (561) 732-1777.

Couple with healthy teeth smiling on beach

Health-Centered Dental Care

In Southeast Florida

We are proud to provide compassionate and personalized care with a gentle touch. Dr. Minch, Dr. Newton and our team use a health-centered and prevention-based approach to give you a healthy smile with an emphasis on sleep health.

(561) 732-1777

2620 S Seacrest Blvd., Suite C & D
Boynton Beach, Florida 33435

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