What is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of your mouth, throat, tongue, lips, and surrounding tissues to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Dr. Kezele performs this screening as part of every comprehensive dental exam at no additional charge.

The screening takes just a few minutes but can be life-saving. We look for abnormal tissue changes, lesions, lumps, or discolorations that could indicate oral cancer. Many early-stage oral cancers are painless, which is why regular professional screenings at our Yakima office are so important.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters in Yakima

Oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. While certain risk factors increase your chances, we've seen cases in Yakima patients with no traditional risk factors at all. Regular screenings are your best defense against this serious disease.

Dr. Kezele has 25+ years of experience identifying oral tissue abnormalities in the Yakima Valley. Our team is trained to recognize even subtle changes that might indicate a problem, giving you the best chance for early detection and successful treatment.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk. We pay special attention to patients with these risk factors:

🚬 Tobacco Use

Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using chewing tobacco dramatically increases oral cancer risk. 80% of oral cancer patients use tobacco.

🍷 Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use significantly increases risk, especially when combined with tobacco. The risk multiplies when both are used together.

☀️ Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure can lead to lip cancer. This is especially relevant in sunny Yakima — protect your lips with SPF balm.

🧬 HPV Infection

Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, is increasingly linked to oral cancers in younger, non-smoking patients.

👴 Age & Gender

Risk increases with age, especially after 40. Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women.

🥗 Poor Nutrition

Diets low in fruits and vegetables may increase risk. A healthy diet supports your immune system's cancer-fighting abilities.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Contact our Yakima office immediately if you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks:

  • Red or white patches in the mouth, tongue, or gums
  • Sores or ulcers that don't heal within two weeks
  • Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw
  • Persistent sore throat or feeling like something is caught in your throat
  • Numbness in the mouth, tongue, or lips
  • Chronic hoarseness or change in voice
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
  • Loose teeth with no apparent cause

What to Expect During Your Screening

1

Visual Exam

Dr. Kezele examines your lips, gums, tongue, throat, and all oral tissues for abnormalities.

2

Physical Exam

Gentle palpation of your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes to check for lumps or swelling.

3

Assessment

We note any suspicious areas and determine if additional testing or monitoring is needed.

4

Results & Plan

We discuss findings and create a plan for follow-up or specialist referral if needed.

The Importance of Regular Screenings

Many early-stage oral cancers have no symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have advanced to a more serious stage. That's why regular dental visits to our Yakima office are so critical — we can detect changes you might not notice yourself.

The American Dental Association recommends oral cancer screenings during your regular dental checkups, typically every six months. This screening is included in every comprehensive exam at no additional cost.

Advanced Technology Available

In addition to visual and physical examination, our Yakima dental practice uses advanced diagnostic technology when needed. If we detect any suspicious areas, we may use specialized lighting or imaging to get a better look at the tissue in question.

If further evaluation is needed, Dr. Kezele will refer you to a specialist for biopsy and comprehensive treatment. We coordinate with Yakima area specialists to ensure you receive the best possible care.