Oral Cancer Screening
Professional Oral Cancer Screenings
At The Dental Hub, we care about more than just your smile—we’re committed to your overall health and well-being. That’s why we offer routine oral cancer screenings as part of your preventive dental care.
Our experienced dentists—Dr. Anthony DiNapoli, Dr. Daniel Lebowitz, and Dr. Kyle Zumfelde—use every checkup as an opportunity to look for early warning signs of oral cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, mouth cancer and head and neck cancers. When it comes to oral cancer, early detection is key to successful treatment and long-term health.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer often begins silently, with subtle changes in the oral mucosa that can go unnoticed by patients. Our dentists perform a quick, painless exam to check for abnormalities such as unusual tissue changes, lumps, sores, or discoloration–signs that could indicate early-stage oral cancers. When caught early, treatment is often more effective and less invasive, sometimes requiring only a biopsy or targeted therapy.
Routine screenings are essential if you have risk factors such as:
- Tobacco use (including smoking or chewing tobacco products)
- Frequent alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- A history of significant sun exposure or a weakened immune system
Even if you don’t fall into a high-risk category, regular screenings are an important part of your dental visits.
Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can take many forms, and the signs are often easy to miss without a professional screening. If you notice any of the following changes in or around your mouth, it’s important to schedule an evaluation right away:
- Persistent sores or ulcerations that don’t heal
- Lumps, bumps, or swelling in the mouth, jaw, or neck
- Red, white, or speckled patches on the gums, tongue, or oral tissue
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Numbness, tenderness, or pain in any area of the mouth or face
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- A change in how your teeth or dentures fit
While these symptoms don’t always point to cancer, they are worth getting checked—especially if they persist for more than two weeks. Regular screenings allow our team to detect these issues early when treatment is most effective.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is quick, non-invasive, and performed during your regular dental hygiene exam. Using a gloved hand, a tongue depressor, and a focused light, your dentist will carefully examine the oral cavity—including the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, tongue base, and mouth roof—for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.
We are looking for:
- Unusual swelling, lumps, or bumps
- Sores or ulcerations that don’t heal
- Red or white patches of color
- Changes in the texture of your gums or palate
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
If we detect anything out of the ordinaryl, we’ll explain the next steps–whether that’s monitoring the area, scheduling additional tests, or recommending a biopsy for further evaluation. Your comfort and clarity are our priorities, always..
Early Detection Saves Lives
Because oral cancer can progress quickly, especially in high-risk patients, we take routine screenings seriously. Detecting cancer in the early stages leads to higher survival rates and fewer long-term complications.
Even if you don’t notice any visible symptoms, don’t skip your screening—it’s one of the most critical parts of your preventive dental care. Call one of The Dental Hub Columbus locations today to schedule your oral cancer screening.