Oral Cancer Screenings in Manhattan, NY
Oral cancer screening is a visual and tactile examination of the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, floor and roof of the mouth, throat area, jaw, and neck for unusual changes. At Manhattan Best Dental Care, screening may be included in appropriate preventive visits for Manhattan patients. Screening does not diagnose cancer, but it can identify findings that need monitoring, additional evaluation, or referral.
Request an Appointment
Changes That Should Be Evaluated
Contact a dental or medical professional if you notice a sore that does not heal, a persistent red or white patch, unexplained bleeding, a lump, numbness, ongoing hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or a change in how your teeth or dentures fit. Many oral changes are not cancer, but persistent or unexplained findings should not be ignored.
Risk Factors and Follow-Up
Tobacco and heavy alcohol use are important risk factors, while HPV exposure, sun exposure to the lips, age, and other factors may also contribute. People without known risk factors can still develop oral cancer. If screening identifies a concern, the dentist may photograph or recheck the area, recommend medical evaluation, or refer for biopsy. Only tissue diagnosis can determine whether a lesion is cancerous.
Oral Cancer Screening Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
The dental professional visually examines oral tissues and may gently feel the mouth, jaw, and neck for unusual changes.
Does an oral cancer screening diagnose cancer?
No. Screening identifies findings that may need monitoring, referral, or biopsy; only tissue diagnosis can confirm cancer.
What symptoms should I report?
Report persistent sores, red or white patches, lumps, bleeding, numbness, hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, or unexplained changes.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Risk can increase with tobacco, heavy alcohol use, HPV exposure, sun exposure to the lips, age, and other factors.
Can someone without risk factors develop oral cancer?
Yes. Oral cancer can occur in people without recognized risk factors.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Frequency depends on age, history, risk factors, symptoms, and professional recommendations.