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Oral Cancer Screening in Harlan, IA
Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. A quick, painless exam at your routine visit is all it takes to check.
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What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical exam of the soft tissues inside and around your mouth. Your dentist or hygienist checks for abnormal changes, including unusual sores, white or red patches, lumps, or areas of tissue that look or feel different from the surrounding tissue.
The exam is completely non-invasive. There are no needles, no instruments going into your throat, and no discomfort. It is done with good lighting, a mirror, and gloved hands. Most screenings take three to five minutes and are typically included as part of your regular checkup at no additional cost.
Why Early Detection Makes All the Difference
The five-year survival rate for oral cancer caught at an early stage is roughly 84%. When it is found after it has spread, that number drops below 40%.
Found Early, Treated Effectively
Early-stage oral cancer is typically treated with surgery alone, without the need for radiation or chemotherapy. Finding it at stage one or two versus stage three or four changes not just the prognosis but the entire treatment experience.
No Symptoms in the Early Stage
Most early oral cancers are completely painless. Patients frequently have no idea anything is wrong. A visual exam by a trained professional is the only reliable way to catch changes before they become serious.
Takes Minutes, Not Hours
A screening adds only a few minutes to your regular dental visit. There is no preparation, no recovery, and no discomfort. The barrier to getting screened is essentially zero.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk.
You should make sure you are screened regularly if:
You are a tobacco user of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, or vaping
You drink alcohol heavily or regularly
You have had significant sun exposure over your lifetime, which raises lip cancer risk
You have been diagnosed with HPV, particularly HPV-16, which is linked to oropharyngeal cancer
You are over 40, when oral cancer rates rise significantly
You have had oral cancer previously
You have a family history of oral or head and neck cancers
You have noticed a sore, patch, or lump in your mouth that has not healed within two weeks
What Happens During the Exam
1
Visual Check of the Face and Neck
Before looking inside your mouth, your dentist checks the outside. This includes the skin of your face, your neck for unusual lumps, and your lips for any changes in color or texture.
2
Examination of the Lips and Cheeks
Your dentist examines the inside of your lips and cheeks, looking for red or white patches, unusual growths, or areas that look different from the surrounding tissue.
3
Tongue, Floor of the Mouth, and Palate
The tongue is checked on all sides, including underneath where many oral cancers develop. The floor of the mouth and the roof of the mouth, both hard and soft palate, are also examined carefully.
4
Review and Next Steps
If everything looks normal, you are done. If your dentist notices anything that warrants a closer look, they will document it, discuss it with you, and determine whether a follow-up appointment, a biopsy referral, or simply monitoring over the next few weeks is the right course of action.
Words From Our Patients
Why Patients Choose Markham Family Dental for Their Care
A team that looks at the full picture of your oral health, not just your teeth
Meet The Team
Thorough exams that catch what a quick look would miss
Our Technology
General and preventive care for every patient, every visit, right here in Harlan
Our Services
What does an oral cancer screening involve?
How often should you get an oral cancer screening?
Is oral cancer screening covered by insurance?
What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Who is at highest risk for oral cancer?
Where can I get an oral cancer screening in Harlan, Iowa?
What happens if something looks abnormal during the screening?
Can I get a screening if I have not been to the dentist in a while?
Prepare for Your Visit
Patient Forms
Download and complete your forms before your appointment to save time when you arrive. Plan to come in 10 to 15 minutes early so we can get you settled.
Learn More
Insurance and Financing
We work with many PPO dental insurance plans and can file claims on your behalf when insurance applies. Financing options may be available for patients who need flexible payment options. Ask our front desk what works best for your situation.
Learn More
Contact Us
Start the Conversation
Address
2105 Pine St
Harlan, IA 51537, US
Harlan, IA 51537, US
Hours
Mon - Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wed: 7:00am - 2:00pm
Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 7:00am - 12:00pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
(712) 755-5342
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