Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Cancer Screening in McKinney, TX
Oral cancer is far more treatable when caught early. That’s why a visual and physical screening is included as part of every comprehensive exam at Cherish Dental—not an extra step, just standard care.
What we check during a screening
Dr. Kovvuri visually and physically examines your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and throat for unusual sores, discoloration, lumps, or texture changes. The screening takes just a few minutes and is done at every routine exam.
Why early detection matters
Oral cancer often shows few or no symptoms in its earliest, most treatable stage. Regular screenings mean we’re checking for warning signs whether or not you’ve noticed anything yourself—early detection is consistently the single biggest factor in treatment outcomes.
Risk factors
Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and prior HPV exposure increase risk, though oral cancer can occur in patients without any of these risk factors. If you notice a sore that hasn’t healed after two weeks, unexplained numbness, or persistent difficulty swallowing, don’t wait for your next routine visit—call us.
Screening questions
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
It’s a visual and physical exam of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat, checking for unusual sores, lumps, or discoloration. It takes just a few minutes and is included in every comprehensive exam—there’s nothing extra to schedule.
How often should I get screened?
Since it’s part of every routine exam, most patients are screened twice a year along with their regular cleanings. If you notice a sore that hasn’t healed within two weeks or other concerning changes, call us rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.
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Every comprehensive exam includes an oral cancer screening at no extra step.