Oral Cancer Screening
in Fort Mill, SC
Early Detection Can Save Lives
Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, which makes it difficult to detect without a professional evaluation. That’s why routine oral cancer screening is a critical part of preventive dental care. At Core Dentistry, we incorporate thorough screenings into our comprehensive exams to help identify abnormal tissue or lesions as early as possible.
Led by Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, DMD FAGD and Dr. Erika Burley, DMD, our team is committed to protecting both your oral and overall health through consistent, proactive care. We provide screening services to patients in Fort Mill, Tega Cay, India Hook, and surrounding areas.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless exam performed during a routine dental visit. It allows your dentist to visually and physically check for signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions in the mouth, throat, lips, tongue, and jaw.
During your screening, we will look for:
- Unusual red or white patches
- Sores that don’t heal
- Lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or neck
- Persistent hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- Changes in the texture of oral tissues
This evaluation is typically completed during your dental exam and takes only a few minutes, but it can have a lasting impact on your health.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important
Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of people in the U.S. each year. The earlier it’s detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Because symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease is advanced, consistent screenings are essential—especially for individuals with known risk factors, such as:
- Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless)
- Frequent alcohol consumption
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
- Excessive sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Family history of cancer
- Age over 40
Even if you have no symptoms or known risk factors, we recommend regular oral cancer screenings as a preventive measure for all adult patients.
What to Expect During Your Screening
Our screening process is simple and non-invasive. During your exam, we will:
- Visually inspect your mouth, cheeks, lips, tongue, and throat for abnormalities
- Feel along the jawline, neck, and under the chin to check for lumps or swelling
- Use lighting and magnification tools to enhance visibility of any suspicious areas
- Discuss any symptoms or changes you’ve noticed at home
If we detect anything unusual, we may recommend additional imaging, monitoring, or referral to a specialist for a biopsy or further evaluation. In many cases, early changes are benign, but we believe it’s always best to be proactive.
Integrating Screenings into Preventive Dental Care
At Core Dentistry, we believe in addressing the full picture of oral health—not just teeth and gums. That’s why we include oral cancer screening as part of your routine general dentistry visit, alongside cleanings, fluoride treatments, and cavity detection.
By combining advanced diagnostic tools with attentive clinical observation, we help our patients stay informed and protected at every stage of life.
FAQs About Oral Cancer Screening
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
We recommend oral cancer screenings once a year as part of your preventive dental care. Patients with elevated risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Is oral cancer screening painful?
No, the screening is quick, gentle, and completely painless. It involves a visual and physical exam of your mouth and neck without any invasive procedures.
What happens if something abnormal is found?
If we detect a suspicious area, we may monitor it over time or refer you to a specialist for further testing. Early evaluation does not mean cancer—it simply ensures that we investigate changes promptly and thoroughly.
Can younger patients benefit from oral cancer screenings?
Yes. While oral cancer is more common in adults over 40, younger patients—especially those with HPV or other risk factors—can also benefit from regular screenings.
Is screening covered by dental insurance?
Many insurance plans include oral cancer screening as part of a routine exam. Our team can check your coverage and answer any billing questions before your visit.
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Request an Oral Cancer Screening Appointment Today
Routine screenings can be life-saving. At Core Dentistry, we’re committed to your long-term health through proactive care and early detection. If it’s been more than a year since your last oral cancer screening, don’t wait.
Call (803) 681-6600 or request your appointment online for a screening at our Fort Mill, SC dental office.