Oral cancer rarely announces itself with dramatic symptoms in its earliest stages. There is no sharp pain, no obvious swelling, nothing that sends most people to a dentist for that specific reason. That invisibility is what makes oral cancer particularly dangerous and why routine screening during dental exams is so important. At Kabani Dental in Marietta, Dr. Shaila Kabani includes oral cancer screening as a standard component of every comprehensive exam.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a clinical examination of the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and surrounding structures to identify any abnormalities that could indicate early-stage cancer or precancerous changes. The screening is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes as part of a routine dental visit. Dr. Kabani visually examines the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, the inside of the cheeks, and the back of the throat, and palpates the neck and jaw to check for unusual masses or lymph node changes.
Anything that looks suspicious, including white or red patches, ulcers that have not healed, unusual thickening, or persistent discoloration, is noted and monitored. If a lesion warrants further evaluation, Dr. Kabani will discuss next steps, which may include a referral for biopsy.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer affects roughly 54,000 Americans each year. While certain risk factors increase susceptibility, a significant portion of cases occur in people with no obvious risk factors at all, which reinforces the value of screening for everyone.
Known Risk Factors
- Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco
- Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, which is now a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers
- Prolonged, unprotected sun exposure, primarily a risk for lip cancer
- A personal or family history of oral or head and neck cancer
- Age over 45, though HPV-related cancers are increasingly affecting younger adults
Patients who use tobacco and alcohol together face a significantly elevated risk compared to those who use either substance alone.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Between dental visits, knowing what to look for can prompt earlier evaluation. Common warning signs include:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two to three weeks
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot on any oral tissue
- Persistent hoarseness or a change in voice
- Difficulty swallowing or a sensation that something is caught in the throat
- Unexplained numbness in the mouth or lips
- Ear pain with no apparent cause
If you notice any of these changes, do not wait for your next scheduled visit. Contact us promptly for an evaluation.
Why Early Detection Matters
The survival rate for oral cancer is significantly higher when it is detected at an early, localized stage compared to advanced stages when the disease has spread to the lymph nodes or beyond. When oral cancers are caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 80 percent. When diagnosed at a late stage, that figure drops dramatically. Routine screening is the most reliable way to find suspicious changes before they progress.
Oral Cancer Screening at Kabani Dental
Oral cancer screening at our Marietta practice is integrated into the comprehensive dental exam, not offered as a separate service that requires a special appointment. Every patient who comes in for a checkup receives this evaluation as a routine part of their care. Dr. Kabani takes the time to document any areas of concern and communicate findings clearly so that patients understand what was observed and what follow-up, if any, is recommended.
Patients who have risk factors for oral cancer, or those who have noticed any unusual changes in their mouth, are welcome to schedule a focused evaluation at any time outside of their regular preventive visits.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Marietta
Oral cancer screening is simple, fast, and potentially life-saving. If you are due for a comprehensive dental exam, or if you have not had a screening in the past year, we encourage you to reach out. Contact Kabani Dental in Marietta to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kabani today.