Oral Cancer Screening

Q: Is an oral cancer screening painful?

No. Screenings are quick, non-invasive, and comfortable. A provider will visually examine your mouth and may gently feel areas of your face, jaw, and neck to check for lumps or irregular tissue changes.

Hassey | Do Duy Dental Associates performs an oral screening for mouth cancer during each routine dental exam and cleaning to ensure early detection.

Oral cancer is the general term given to all cancers that develop in the mouth, commonly involving the tongue, gums and lips. Cancerous cells may also develop in the lining of the cheeks and on the roof of a patients’ mouth. Chances of oral cancer are increased with the regular use of tobacco and alcohol, and are also escalated if a patient has a history of other cancer diagnoses.

As part of an oral cancer screening, Dr. Hassey, Dr. Do Duy & Dr. Tanya will perform the following:

Examination of the lining of cheek tissue, looking for suspect spots and oral cancer symptoms
Painlessly probing gums to look for patchy or rough spots
Inspecting the roof of the mouth for abnormalities
Checking the neck, face, and jawline for irregularities

It may be necessary for our dentists to perform a brush biopsy. A painless procedure, a brush biopsy removes a microscopic amount of tissue for further examination. Our dentists will discuss the procedure and report the results with our patients in a helpful manner.

As with all major diseases, early detection is of the utmost importance for the treatment of oral cancer. Schedule your screening with our Methuen MA dentists today!

Oral Cancer Screening FAQs

Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of protecting your overall health, not just your smile. At Hassey Do Duy TK Dental in Methuen, MA, these screenings are typically performed during routine dental visits to help detect abnormal tissue changes as early as possible. Early detection improves treatment success and can help prevent more serious health concerns. Below are answers to common questions about oral cancer screenings and why they matter.

Who needs an oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for adults as part of routine dental care, especially if you use tobacco, drink alcohol frequently, have prolonged sun exposure to the lips, or have a family history of cancer. However, anyone can develop oral cancer, which is why screenings are included in regular dental checkups.

Does a spot on my tongue mean I have cancer?

Not necessarily. Spots, sores, or patches inside the mouth can develop for many reasons, including irritation, infection, or injury. If a spot does not heal within two weeks or changes in size or color, it should be evaluated. Screenings help identify areas that may require further testing.

Is oral cancer limited to the tongue?

No. Oral cancer can develop on the tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, and throat. During a screening, our dentists examine all soft tissues of the mouth and surrounding areas for any unusual changes.

Do I need to schedule a special appointment for an oral cancer screening?

In most cases, no. Oral cancer screenings are often performed during routine dental exams. If you notice concerning symptoms between visits, you should schedule an appointment right away so the area can be evaluated.

Is an oral cancer screening painful?

No. Screenings are quick, non-invasive, and comfortable. We will visually examine your mouth and may gently feel areas of your face, jaw, and neck to check for lumps or irregular tissue changes.

Will my insurance cover this screening?

Many dental insurance plans include oral cancer screenings as part of preventive care. Coverage can vary depending on your provider, so the office team can help review your benefits and answer any questions.

How can you prevent oral cancer?

While not all cases are preventable, you can lower your risk by avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol use, protecting your lips from sun exposure, and maintaining regular dental visits. Early screenings also help detect changes before they become more serious.

Protecting Your Health Starts with Prevention

Routine oral cancer screenings play a valuable role in detecting concerns early and supporting long-term wellness. If you are due for a dental visit or have noticed changes in your oral health, contact Hassey Do Duy TK Dental in Methuen, MA to schedule your appointment. Our team is here to help you stay proactive about your smile and overall health.

Oral Cancer Screening

Hassey | Do Duy Dental Associates performs an oral screening for mouth cancer during each routine dental exam and cleaning to ensure early detection.

Oral Cancer Screening FAQs

Protecting Your Health Starts with Prevention

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