Oral Cancer Screening
it’s always better to know…
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancers similar to cancers that develop throughout our body are the result of abnormal uncontrolled cellular growth. The most common locations where oral cancers develop includes; the tongue, lips and throat. Similar to management of cancers generally, prevention and early detection are key. At each visit, you will be reassured to know that Dr. Novack performs a comprehensive oral cancer screening examination. Through collaborative discussions that begin at your first visit to our office, we will identify risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure and genetics that can contribute to an increased risk of you developing oral cancer. A dentist see’s much more than just teeth!
You may not be aware that a host of health related issues exhibit signs and symptoms in your mouth. Dr. Novack may well be the first healthcare professional to identify specific oral manifestations of a body wide (systemic) condition:
- Oral cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Leukemia
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Bulimia or other eating disorders
Dr. Novack’s holistic approach to her patients’ care extends well beyond the teeth and oral cavity to encompass the whole-body health and wellbeing.
Interested in Getting Screened?
Loved by Many
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Novack does a quick, painless visual and physical exam of your mouth, tongue, throat, and neck, looking for any unusual sores, lumps, or color changes.
An oral cancer screening is included as part of your regular checkup, so most patients are screened without needing to book a separate visit.
No, it is a quick, non-invasive check that adds only a few minutes to your regular exam.
Risk increases with tobacco or heavy alcohol use, HPV exposure, and age over 40, though screening is valuable for every patient since early detection makes treatment far more successful.
Most findings turn out to be harmless, but if something needs a closer look, Dr. Novack will discuss next steps with you, which may include monitoring or a referral for further testing.
