Oral Cancer Screening in Oak Lawn, IL
Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, which makes it difficult to detect without a professional exam. At Inside The Smile, we provide routine oral cancer screenings during your dental cleanings & exams to identify any abnormalities early—when treatment is most effective.
Dr. Michael B. Smith and our team are committed to prevention and education. We offer thorough, visual, and tactile screenings as part of our commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals and families in Oak Lawn and surrounding neighborhoods like Alsip, Bridgeview, and Hometown.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive exam that checks for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth, tongue, throat, lips, and surrounding tissues. The process involves:
- A visual inspection of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat
- A physical exam to feel for lumps, bumps, or asymmetry in the neck and jaw area
- Evaluation of discoloration, ulcers, patches, or lesions that may require further investigation
No special preparation is needed, and the screening is completed in just a few minutes during your regular visit.
Who Needs an Oral Cancer Screening?
Everyone can benefit from routine screenings, but certain patients are at higher risk and may require closer monitoring. You may have an increased risk for oral cancer if you:
- Use tobacco in any form
- Consume alcohol regularly
- Have a history of HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Spend extended time in the sun (linked to lip cancer)
- Have a family history of oral or throat cancer
- Are over the age of 40
Even if you don’t fall into these categories, we believe that early detection is essential. That’s why we include oral cancer screenings as part of your comprehensive dental exam.
What Happens If Something Abnormal Is Found?
If we identify an area of concern, we’ll discuss next steps with you right away. This may include:
- Re-examination at your next visit to monitor changes
- Referral to an oral surgeon or specialist for further evaluation
- A biopsy to determine whether abnormal tissue is cancerous or benign
Not every lesion or bump is cancerous, but staying proactive allows us to respond quickly if anything requires follow-up care.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Between visits, we encourage you to be aware of common early warning signs of oral cancer, including:
- Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty swallowing or a constant feeling of something caught in the throat
- Lumps, bumps, or thickened areas on the inside of the cheeks or gums
- Chronic hoarseness or voice changes
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact us right away to schedule an evaluation.
Preventive Care Beyond the Screening
At Inside The Smile, our focus is always on prevention. We incorporate oral cancer screenings into your general care alongside services like:
- fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
- Dental sealants to protect hard-to-reach areas in molars
- Gum disease treatment to maintain healthy soft tissues
These services work together to support your total oral health and reduce risk factors for disease and infection.
FAQs
Is the screening covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes. Oral cancer screening is included as part of your routine dental exam, which is typically covered by insurance. We’ll verify your benefits and let you know if any out-of-pocket costs apply.
Does the exam take a long time?
Not at all. The screening is completed in just a few minutes during your regular checkup and doesn’t require any special equipment or preparation.
Can oral cancer be cured?
Oral cancer is highly treatable when detected early. That’s why consistent screenings and regular dental visits are so important. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Do I need a screening if I don't have symptoms?
Yes. Oral cancer often begins without symptoms, which is why screening is important even if you feel fine. We include it as part of our standard exam for every adult patient.
Our clinic offers multiple booking options. You can schedule online through our website, call our reception, or email for urgent consultations. We aim to respond within 24 hours.
Still have questions?
Visit our Blog to know more
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Oak Lawn
Your health is too important to leave to chance. A few minutes could make a life-saving difference. If it's been more than six months since your last checkup — or if you have concerns about oral health changes — we’re here to help.