Oral cancer affects approximately 54,000 Americans each year, and the five-year survival rate drops significantly when the disease is detected late. The good news? When caught early, the survival rate exceeds 80%. That's why oral cancer screening is a standard part of every comprehensive exam at Newpoint Family Dental in Unionville, CT.
What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Involve?
The screening is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless. During your exam, one of our doctors visually inspects the soft tissues of your mouth — your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate, gums, and throat — looking for any unusual patches, sores, lumps, or color changes. We also palpate the floor of your mouth, tongue, and lymph nodes in your neck to check for any abnormalities that can't be seen.
The entire screening takes just a few minutes and requires no special preparation on your part. You may not even realize it's happening — it's a seamless part of your regular exam.
Who Is at Risk?
While certain factors increase risk — tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), and a family history of cancer — oral cancer can develop in anyone. In fact, about 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people with no known risk factors. That's why we screen every patient, not just those in high-risk categories.
Signs to Watch For
Between dental visits, be aware of changes in your mouth that persist for more than two weeks:
- A sore that doesn't heal
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- A lump or thickening in the cheek
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Persistent numbness in the mouth or lips
If you notice any of these, don't wait for your next scheduled visit. Call us right away. Patients throughout Farmington Valley trust Newpoint for thorough, proactive care that goes beyond just teeth.