Oral Cancer Screenings in Hickory, NC
Oral cancer is one of the most serious conditions we screen for at Hickory Dentistry — and when caught early, it is highly treatable. Our comprehensive dental exams in Hickory, NC include a thorough oral cancer screening as a standard part of your preventive care. Early detection saves lives. Call (828) 322-2977 to schedule your exam today.
Early Detection Through Oral Cancer Screenings in Hickory, NC
Oral cancer — which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat — affects tens of thousands of Americans every year. While the survival rate for oral cancer caught in its earliest stage is significantly higher than for late-stage diagnoses, the disease is often not identified until it has progressed — in large part because many patients are unaware of the warning signs and not receiving regular dental screenings. At Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC , we include a thorough oral cancer screening as part of every comprehensive exam because we believe this simple, painless evaluation is one of the most meaningful things we can do for our patients’ long-term health.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain risk factors significantly increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disease. Tobacco use — in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff — is the most significant risk factor and dramatically elevates the chance of developing oral and throat cancers. Heavy alcohol consumption is another major risk factor, and the combination of tobacco and alcohol use creates a synergistic effect that increases risk far beyond either factor alone. Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly the HPV-16 strain, has emerged as a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers — cancers of the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils — in adults who do not use tobacco or alcohol. Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer specifically. A personal or family history of cancer, age over 40, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables also contribute to elevated risk. Patients who fall into any of these categories should be especially diligent about attending regular dental checkups that include oral cancer screening at Hickory Dentistry.
What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Involve?
The oral cancer screening at Hickory Dentistry is a non-invasive, painless visual and tactile examination that adds only a few minutes to your routine dental exam. Dr. Millsaps carefully examines the entire oral cavity — including the lips, gum tissue, inner cheeks, tongue (both the top surface and underneath), the floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth (hard and soft palate), and the back of the throat. He looks for any tissue changes that may indicate a developing abnormality, such as red or white patches (erythroplakia or leukoplakia), unusual sores or ulcers that haven’t healed within two weeks, lumps or thickened areas in the soft tissue, unexplained bleeding, and changes in the color or texture of the mucosal lining. He also gently palpates the lymph nodes in the neck to check for swelling that may indicate a problem. Most findings during a routine screening are entirely benign — cold sores, canker sores, and minor irritation are far more common than cancer. However, any suspicious lesion that doesn’t resolve within two to three weeks will be recommended for a follow-up evaluation or biopsy referral.
Warning Signs to Watch Between Visits
In addition to your annual screening at Hickory Dentistry, you should be aware of the symptoms that warrant an immediate call to our office rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment. These include any sore or ulcer in the mouth that has not healed within two weeks; unexplained bleeding from the mouth; a persistent lump, thickening, or rough patch in the mouth or throat; difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue; a feeling that something is caught in the throat that doesn’t resolve; numbness, pain, or tenderness anywhere in the mouth or lip; and a chronic sore throat or hoarseness. These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer — many have benign explanations — but they should always be professionally evaluated promptly. Call (828) 322-2977 if you notice any of these changes. We also encourage patients from Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover to contact us for any oral health concern that worries them — we are here to help.
The Importance of Annual Screenings
The five-year survival rate for oral cancer diagnosed at a localized, early stage is dramatically higher than for cancer diagnosed after it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites. The challenge is that oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, making self-detection difficult. Annual professional screenings at your routine dental checkup are the most reliable way to catch the disease early, when treatment options are most effective and least invasive. At Hickory Dentistry, we take this responsibility seriously — your oral cancer screening is not an afterthought but an integral part of every comprehensive exam. If you’re not currently seeing a dentist regularly, or if it’s been more than a year since your last exam, call (828) 322-2977 today and schedule your visit. It could make a life-changing difference.
Frequently Asked Questions — Oral Cancer Screenings in Hickory, NC
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening should be performed at every comprehensive dental exam — ideally once per year at minimum, or every six months if you attend regular biannual checkups. At Hickory Dentistry, oral cancer screening is a standard part of every comprehensive exam for all patients, regardless of age or risk level. Patients with elevated risk factors — such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of HPV — should be especially consistent with annual screenings and should discuss any oral changes with our team promptly.
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No — an oral cancer screening is completely painless and non-invasive. Dr. Millsaps visually examines the soft tissues of the mouth and gently palpates the lymph nodes in the neck. The entire process takes only a few minutes and requires no special preparation on your part. It is simply added to your routine dental exam without any additional discomfort or disruption to your appointment.
What happens if something suspicious is found during my screening?
If Dr. Millsaps identifies a tissue change that warrants further evaluation, he will discuss his findings with you clearly and calmly. In many cases, he may recommend monitoring the area for two to three weeks to see if it resolves on its own — many benign sores and irritations do. If the area persists or looks concerning, he will refer you to an oral surgeon or specialist for a biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. A referral for biopsy does not mean you have cancer — it means we are taking your health seriously and want to be certain.
Can oral cancer develop even if I don’t smoke or drink?
Yes — while tobacco and alcohol are the most significant risk factors, oral cancer can develop in patients who have never smoked or consumed alcohol. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers, in particular, are increasingly common among non-smokers and are not linked to traditional lifestyle risk factors. Sun exposure can contribute to lip cancer regardless of tobacco use. This is precisely why routine oral cancer screenings are recommended for all dental patients — not just those with established risk factors. No one is entirely without risk.
What is the difference between leukoplakia and erythroplakia?
Leukoplakia refers to white patches in the mouth that cannot be wiped off and don’t have an obvious cause like a bite injury or denture irritation. Erythroplakia refers to red patches with similar characteristics. Both are considered potentially precancerous lesions and require professional evaluation and monitoring. Erythroplakia carries a higher risk of malignant transformation than leukoplakia. If you notice either type of patch in your mouth that hasn’t resolved within two weeks, call Hickory Dentistry at (828) 322-2977 promptly.
Does Hickory Dentistry include oral cancer screening in routine dental exams?
Yes — every comprehensive dental exam at Hickory Dentistry includes an oral cancer screening as a standard component of care. We believe preventive screening is a fundamental responsibility we have to every patient. You do not need to request the screening separately — it is automatically incorporated into your examination. If you have concerns about specific symptoms or changes between your scheduled visits, call us at (828) 322-2977 and we’ll see you promptly.
Do you screen patients from Newton, Lenoir, and Granite Falls for oral cancer?
Hickory Dentistry provides comprehensive dental exams — including oral cancer screenings — for patients from Hickory, NC and all surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover. If you’re overdue for an exam or have noticed any changes in your mouth that concern you, please call us at (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online. Your health is our priority.
