Oral Cancer Screening
Maintain A Healthy Smile
Protect Your Health With an Oral Cancer Screening in Naperville
A healthy mouth helps you enjoy a healthy life. A quick oral cancer screening in Naperville is one of the easiest ways to keep it that way. During your screening, Dr. Murmann will check for early warning signs, so she can spot small concerns before they grow. Finding changes early gives you the best chance at simple treatment.
The screening takes just a few minutes, and you won't feel any discomfort. Our team will take time to explain what we see and answer your questions. You'll leave knowing more about your mouth and how to protect it. Screenings are part of your dental cleaning and exam, so you don't need a separate visit.
Early morning and evening hours make it easy to fit your appointment into a busy week. Contact us today if you're due for a checkup.
Discover What Happens During Your Oral Cancer Check
Visual Check
We look over your lips and the inside of your mouth for red or white patches.
Touch Exam
Dr. Murmann gently feels your jaw and neck for lumps or swelling.
HPV Awareness
Some types of HPV can cause cancer near the back of the throat, so we check this area with extra care.
Clear Next Steps
If we spot a concern, we'll explain what we see and refer you to a specialist for testing.
How to Decrease Your Risk for Mouth & Throat Cancers
You should see your dentist at least every six months for an exam. Since your mouth often shows early signs of health problems elsewhere in your body, these regular screenings protect more than just your smile. Your cancer screening takes place during these exams and requires no special preparation or needles.
Between visits, you can watch for a sore that doesn't heal within two weeks or a lump in your cheek. If you notice this, it's important to see your dentist ASAP. Hoarseness or trouble swallowing should also prompt a call. Reach out to our office if you notice any of these changes so we can take a closer look.
To lessen your risk of mouth and throat cancer:
- Don't consume alcohol and tobacco. These substances are particularly problematic when consumed together. According to the American Cancer Society, the risk for mouth cancer is 30 times higher for smokers and drinkers than for those who don't smoke or drink.
- Get the HPV vaccine.
- Use lip balm with SPF of at least 30.
- Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Contact us today if you have any questions about oral cancer screening in Naperville.
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Common Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
What is an oral cancer screening?
How often should you get an oral cancer screening?
What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
An oral cancer screening is painless and takes only a few minutes. A dentist looks inside the mouth with a light and a mirror, then gently feels the jaw and neck for lumps. There are no needles or drills involved. Most patients barely notice the screening because it happens as part of a regular exam.
Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
Tobacco use and heavy alcohol use are two of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer. Certain types of HPV also cause many cancers in the back of the throat. Age plays a role too, since most diagnoses happen after age 40. Even patients without these risk factors can develop oral cancer.
How can you check for oral cancer at home?
You can check for oral cancer at home with a monthly self-exam and a mirror. This includes looking at the lips and gums for sores or color changes and checking under the tongue. Feeling the neck and jaw for lumps is another step. Any change lasting longer than two weeks deserves an exam.
Is oral cancer treatable when found early?
Oral cancer is much easier to treat when caught in its early stages. If the cancer hasn't spread from where it started, the five-year survival rate is around 85 percent. That number drops sharply once the cancer reaches distant parts of the body. Early detection often means smaller surgeries and a faster recovery.
Can young adults or non-smokers get oral cancer?
Oral cancer can affect young adults and non-smokers, not just older tobacco users. HPV-related throat cancers are rising among adults in their 40s and 50s who have never smoked. Because these patients may not see themselves as at risk, they sometimes ignore early warning signs. Routine screenings catch changes regardless of age or habits.