Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer claims nearly 10,000 American lives each year. James Melillo, DDS, Dasny Castillo-Beltran, DDS, and the team at Melillo Dental provide oral cancer screenings to protect your oral health and identify cancerous lesions in their early stages. An oral cancer screening is the most effective test to prevent cancer of the mouth. Call the office in Yonkers, New York, or request an appointment online today. 

What is an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening is a preventive test that checks for abnormal growths and lesions inside your mouth. During this thorough evaluation, the Melillo Dental team examines your face, jaw, neck, and the soft tissues inside your mouth. Performing routine screenings helps prevent oral cancer and detect abnormal growths while they’re still localized.

What are the signs of oral cancer?

Oral cancer symptoms can vary and often depend on the severity of the disease. Common signs of oral cancer include:

• Growths or lumps in the mouth
• Non-healing lip sores
• Rough patches inside the cheeks, tongue, or gums
• Pink or white patches of flesh
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Hoarse voice
• Chronic sore throat
• Pain when moving the jaw
• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes in tooth alignment

If oral cancer spreads, you may feel like you have a lump stuck in your throat when you swallow.

What happens during an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening typically accompanies a comprehensive dental exam and teeth cleaning. The team at Melillo Dental starts by examining your lips, face, jaws, and neck. This visual inspection can reveal unexplained swelling or growths that may require further examination.

If you have a lesion that requires lab testing, the team may take a biopsy at your appointment or schedule another visit. The results of the biopsy may determine your next steps. The team may recommend visiting for a follow-up appointment or refer you to a specialist if your results return positive for oral cancer.

How often should I schedule an oral cancer screening?

Most bi-annual dental exams and teeth cleanings include an oral cancer screening. Melillo Dental recommends scheduling these visits at least once every six months to monitor and track your oral health. Regular screenings help the team identify abnormalities in their early stages when they’re still treatable.

If you use tobacco products, like cigarettes or chewing tobacco, the team may encourage you to visit more frequently. A family history of oral and head and neck cancers can also increase your risk of developing the disease, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with your routine screenings.

To learn more about oral cancer screenings, call Melillo Dental or schedule an appointment online today.