Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings in Woodinville

What is an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues to check for early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. At Oasis Family Dentistry, oral cancer screenings are performed as part of every comprehensive dental exam at no additional cost.

Who is at risk for oral cancer?

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase the risk including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure to the lips, HPV infection, age over 40, and a personal or family history of cancer. Early detection is critical — when caught early, oral cancer has a significantly higher survival rate.

What are the signs of oral cancer?

Warning signs include sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal within two weeks, red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth, a lump or thickening in the mouth or throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and unexplained numbness or bleeding. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Oasis Family Dentistry at (425) 486-9245 right away.

Does an oral cancer screening hurt?

No. An oral cancer screening is completely painless and non-invasive. Our dentist visually inspects your mouth and gently feels for any abnormal lumps or tissue changes. The exam takes just a few minutes and is performed as part of your routine dental visit.

How often should I have an oral cancer screening?

We recommend an oral cancer screening at every routine dental visit — typically every six months. Patients with risk factors for oral cancer may benefit from more frequent monitoring and should discuss their specific needs with our team at Oasis Family Dentistry.

What happens if something suspicious is found?

If our team identifies an area of concern, we will discuss our findings with you and may recommend a biopsy or refer you to an oral medicine specialist or oncologist for further evaluation. Early referral and diagnosis greatly improve treatment outcomes.

Can oral cancer screenings detect all types of oral cancer?

Visual and tactile screenings are effective at detecting visible abnormalities in the mouth. However, no single screening method detects 100% of oral cancers. Consistent screenings at every dental visit — combined with awareness of symptoms at home — provide the best possible early detection.