Oral Cancer Screening
A mouth sore that does not heal, an unexplained red or white patch, a lump or another persistent change can be easy to dismiss—especially when it is not painful. Oral cancer screening gives your dentist an opportunity to examine the mouth and nearby tissues for findings that may need a closer look.
Screening is not the same as diagnosing cancer. Many unusual areas have causes other than cancer, and a dental examination cannot confirm a cancer diagnosis. Its role is to identify a change that may need monitoring, reassessment or referral.
Changes Worth Mentioning
- A sore or ulcer that is not healing.
- A persistent red, white or mixed-color patch.
- A lump, thickened area or unexplained swelling.
- Unexplained bleeding, numbness or persistent pain.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing, or a persistent throat sensation.
- A lasting change in voice, tongue movement or denture fit without an obvious explanation.
These signs can have many causes and do not automatically mean cancer. Persistence and unexplained change are the reasons to have them evaluated.
What Happens During Screening?
The dentist visually examines accessible oral tissues and may gently feel the mouth, jaw and neck for asymmetry, swelling or thickening. If an area looks unusual, the next step depends on its appearance, duration, symptoms and history. The dentist may recommend reassessment or referral. A biopsy, when indicated, is what can establish a tissue diagnosis.
Risk Factors Do Not Replace an Examination
Tobacco exposure and heavy alcohol use are established risk factors. Age, previous oral cancer, sun exposure involving the lips and certain HPV-related disease pathways can also matter. But a persistent unexplained oral change deserves evaluation even when classic risk factors are absent.
If your concern is sudden facial swelling, severe dental pain, trauma or uncontrolled bleeding rather than a persistent tissue change, review emergency dental care information and contact the office promptly.
Oral Cancer Screening in Eden Prairie and Lakeville
Moss Dental Studio provides care from two Minnesota offices. Choose the location that works best for you when scheduling:
- Eden Prairie: 800 Prairie Center Dr, Suite 250, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 — call (952) 974-5116
- Lakeville: 18389 Orchard Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044 — call (612) 312-0087
For maps and office information, view the Moss Dental Studio locations or contact the dental team.
Questions Patients Ask
Does screening hurt?
A routine visual and tactile screening is generally noninvasive. Tell the dentist if an area is already sore.
Can a dentist tell if a spot is cancer by looking?
No. Screening can identify a suspicious area, but visual examination cannot confirm cancer.
What happens if something unusual is found?
The next step may be documentation and reassessment or referral for further evaluation, depending on the finding.
Do I need screening if I do not smoke?
Tobacco is an important risk factor, but not the only one. Persistent unexplained changes deserve evaluation regardless of smoking history.
Is screening the same as a biopsy?
No. Screening looks for concerning changes. A biopsy removes tissue for laboratory examination when definitive diagnosis is needed.
For provider background, meet Dr. Kevin Molldrem.
Concerned About a Change in Your Mouth?
If you have noticed a sore that is not healing, an unusual patch, a lump, unexplained irritation, or another persistent change, you do not have to decide for yourself whether it is serious.
Schedule an evaluation so the dentist can examine the area and determine whether it appears appropriate to monitor or whether further evaluation is warranted. When you call, tell the team what you have noticed and how long it has been present.
Eden Prairie: 800 Prairie Center Dr, Suite 250 — Call (952) 974-5116
Lakeville: 18389 Orchard Trail — Call (612) 312-0087