Oral Cancer Exam

The oral cancer examination is completely painless. Our team will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps. Lasers may be used to highlight pathological changes and can “look” below the surface for spots and lesions that are invisible to the naked eye.

Some of the signs that will be investigated include red patches and sores. Red patches on the floor of the mouth or the front of the tongue, as well as bleeding sores that fail to heal, can be indicative of cancerous changes. Leukoplakia is a hardened, white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear inside the mouth and may be cancerous. These signs will also be examined. Finally, soreness, lumps, or general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological changes and will be examined.

If abnormalities, lesions, lumps, or leukoplakia are apparent, we will develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Treatment options vary according to the precise diagnosis but may include excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

It is also important to note that over 75% of oral cancers are linked to avoidable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Our team can provide you with literature and information about quitting harmful behaviors such as tobacco use.