Oral Cancer Screenings

An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless check of the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and throat for tissue changes that can signal early disease. Most patients have this screening as part of a routine dental exam rather than as a separate visit, since catching changes early gives patients and their dentist more options for follow-up. At Dental Office of Dr. Salm, Kanner, and Grandeau, Dr. Adam Salm, Dr. Jed Kanner, and Dr. Hayley Grandeau incorporate this check into regular checkups for patients of the practice.

What the Screening Looks For

Unusual Sores or Patches — areas that look different in color or texture from surrounding tissue.
Lumps or Thickened Areas — changes felt during a visual and physical exam of the mouth and neck.
Persistent Irritation — spots that don't heal the way a typical bite or scrape would.

Tools That Support the Exam

Fluorescent Cancer Screening — a fluorescent light exam helps highlight oral tissue changes that may be harder to see under normal light.
Intraoral Camera — when something is noted, the camera lets you see the same view on the exam room screen that your dentist sees.

When to Bring It Up

If you notice a sore, discoloration, or lump that lingers, mention it at your next visit so it can be looked at as part of your exam.