Oral Cancer Screenings in Stony Brook, NY

Oral cancer screening sounds like a scary term. We understand that many patients are looking for oral cancer screenings in Stony Brook, NY because they’re concerned about their health. It’s not as scary as it sounds and with most patients, we don’t see any abnormalities.

At Stony Brook Dental Group in Stony Brook, NY, we’ve been performing these screenings for several years. Our dentists know what to look for and how to find it. We also know how to be gentle while examining our patients to avoid causing any discomfort. If you’re looking for oral cancer screenings near you, we have you covered and will take good care of you.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

At Stony Brook Dental Group, we like to make it clear that oral cancer is often silent. People can have it for several months before they start to experience any symptoms or problems. That’s why screening is important. It helps us detect cancer at an early stage before it grows and spreads. Early detection is associated with easier treatment and better prognosis.

Patients who have oral cancer might complain of dental or facial pain. They might also notice a swelling or a bleeding ulcer. Cancer can occur in the form of a mass or an ulcer.

Oral Cancer Screenings

When a patient sees us for an oral cancer screening, we like to start with a quick interview. During this interview we’ll ask how you’re feeling, if you have any complaints, and about your medical and drug history. Next, we’ll need to examine your oral cavity.

We won’t just inspect and palpate your teeth. The entire oral cavity will be examined including the tongue, gums, and palate. We will also examine the floor of the mouth and look for enlarged lymph nodes. If we notice anything abnormal, we’ll most likely biopsy it. Alternatively, if a lesion looks benign, we might ask you to come back in a week or two.

We won’t know whether or not a patient has cancer until we get the results of the biopsy back from pathology. When a patient has cancer, we explain to them what to expect and make our recommendations. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!