Oral Cancer Screening
When you think of a “dental checkup,” oral cancer screening might not be the first thing that comes to mind. You probably expect exams for cavities or cleanings to maintain healthy gums. However, the oral cancer screening performed during your visit to Oxford Smiles in Marlborough is extremely important—and it truly can save lives.
Why are oral cancer screenings so important?
Oral cancer is a common cancer of the head and neck, affecting people all around the world. Nearly 54,000 people receive an oral or oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis each year.
Oral cancer has a five-year survival rate of 57%. This means that just a little more than half of the people diagnosed with oral cancer are alive five years after their diagnosis. Oral cancer isn’t particularly difficult to diagnose. But fatality rates are high because oral cancer is too often detected late in its development. Oral cancer screenings are the best tool available for early diagnosis and treatment.
When is an oral cancer screening recommended?
Healthcare providers use oral cancer screenings to find cancer before symptoms develop. When providers detect oral cancer in its early stages, treatment may be more successful.
Can a dentist see if you have oral cancer?
While a variety of healthcare providers can perform oral cancer screenings, dentists commonly offer them as part of their routine exams. It’s important to note, though, that oral cancer screenings don’t diagnose cancer. Healthcare providers use screenings to look for signs of cancer. If your provider finds anything suspicious, they’ll refer you to an oncologist for further testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
How is oral cancer detected?
Oral cancer screenings can help detect early signs of oral cancer. But the only surefire way to find out if you have oral cancer is to collect suspicious cells and test them in a laboratory. If your healthcare provider suspects oral cancer, then they’ll refer you to another specialist for evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Mehta examines the lips, tongue (top, bottom, and sides), floor of the mouth, cheeks, hard and soft palate, and throat for lesions, lumps, or color changes. He also palpates the lymph nodes in the neck. The exam takes 2–3 minutes and is included in every comprehensive checkup.
Highest-risk individuals include: heavy tobacco users (smoking or smokeless), frequent heavy alcohol consumers, people with HPV infection, those with prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and anyone with a prior oral cancer diagnosis. High-risk individuals should receive screenings at every dental visit.
Warning signs include: a sore or ulcer that does not heal within two weeks, red or white patches inside the mouth, unexplained swelling or lumps, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or numbness in the mouth or lips. Any of these warrant immediate evaluation - do not wait for your next scheduled appointment.
Standard visual oral cancer screening performed as part of a comprehensive exam is typically covered as part of the exam itself under most dental plans. Enhanced adjunctive screening devices (where available) may or may not be covered - the team will advise.
Early-stage oral cancer (Stage I-II) is highly treatable - five-year survival rates exceed 80%. Treatment typically involves surgical removal with clear margins, sometimes combined with radiation. Advanced-stage cancers (caught late) drop survival rates below 40%. This stark difference underscores why regular screenings are so important.
Flexible Financing & Insurance options
We strive to make dental care affordable and accessible for all our patients. That's why we accept most major insurances, and will work with you to help you understand your plan and maximize your benefits. If you have questions about insurance, or anything at all, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly insurance experts. Don't see your insurance listed? Give us a call on (508) 290-8714, and we'll walk you through all your options!
No Insurance? No Problem.
Flexible financing & membership plans available
We offer Quality Membership Plans along with flexible financing options through LendingClub, Sunbit, and CareCredit. Quality dental care is an investment in your health and happiness and we believe the cost of treatment should never stand in the way of your ideal smile. That's why we partner with trusted healthcare lenders, allowing you to create personalized payment plans that fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Dr. Aditya Mehta – Compassionate Cosmetic & General Dentist
Dr. Mehta, inspired by a family legacy of 15 doctors, brings a deep-rooted passion for healthcare to his work at Oxford Smiles in Marlborough. With a commitment to excellence, he combines advanced dentistry with a warm, personalized approach to ensure every patient feels valued and cared for.
He specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry. Dr. Mehta focuses on creating natural-looking smiles, offering comfortable, anxiety-free visits, and staying at the forefront of dental innovation through continuous education. Trusted for both his gentle care and expertise, Dr. Mehta helps patients achieve lasting oral health with a strong emphasis on transparency and trust.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
One Location, Countless Smiles
We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only
within Marlborough
but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our
commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
- Marlborough
- Auburn
- Maynard
- Bolton
- Hudson
- Framingham
- Westborough
- Shrewsbury
- Northborough
- Southborough
- Hopkinton
- Ashland