Oral cancer is highly treatable when found early — five-year survival rises dramatically for cancers caught at an early, localized stage. That is why a screening is built into every routine exam we do, not offered as an extra.
What the screening involves
It takes about two minutes and nothing about it hurts. Dr. Simeon visually examines your lips, gums, tongue (top, sides, and underneath), cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat, then gently feels along your jaw and neck for lumps or tenderness. You’ll barely notice it happening within your regular exam.
What we — and you — watch for
A sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks; a red or white patch; a lump, thickening, or rough spot; unexplained numbness; difficulty or pain when swallowing; or a persistent feeling of something caught in the throat. Most of these turn out to be harmless — but “most” is a judgment we’d rather make together with an exam than leave to chance.
Lowering your risk
Tobacco in any form and heavy alcohol use are the biggest risk factors, and HPV is a growing cause of throat cancers in younger adults. Sun protection matters for lip cancer — a lip balm with SPF is an easy habit. And because early oral cancer is usually painless, twice-yearly exams remain the most reliable early-warning system there is.