According to the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, with over 7,000 resulting in death. Fortunately, oral cancer can often be detected early through a routine oral cancer exam performed by Dr. Rothstein. When caught in its early stages, oral cancer is highly treatable.
Oral cancer often develops silently, producing little to no symptoms in its early stages, which makes regular screenings essential. There are several types of oral cancer, including teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. The most common type is malignant squamous cell carcinoma, which usually begins in the lips or oral tissues. Oral cancer can also occur on the tongue, salivary glands, throat, gums, and facial areas.
Oral cancer screenings are completely painless. Dr. Rothstein will carefully examine the mouth, face, neck, and glands for abnormalities or unusual lumps. Advanced tools such as lasers may be used to detect lesions or abnormal tissue that are not visible to the naked eye.
During the exam, Dr. Rothstein will look for signs including:
If any abnormalities are found, Dr. Rothstein will develop a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
It is important to understand that more than 75% of oral cancers are linked to preventable behaviors such as tobacco use, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Rothstein can provide guidance, educational resources, and strategies to reduce these risks and support a healthier lifestyle.
An oral cancer exam is a clinical screening performed to look for abnormal tissue or early signs of malignancy in the mouth, lips, throat and nearby structures. The exam focuses on visual inspection and gentle palpation of the tongue, cheeks, floor of mouth, gums, neck and salivary glands to identify sores, lumps or color changes. These screenings are preventive in nature and are designed to detect problems before they progress to later stages.
When performed routinely, an oral cancer exam increases the chances of finding disease at a stage when treatment is more effective and recovery is more likely. Exams are quick, painless and can be incorporated into regular periodontal or dental checkups. Your clinician will explain findings and recommend next steps if anything unusual is detected.
Routine oral cancer screenings are important because many oral cancers develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making visual and manual exams a key tool for early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and early identification can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Detecting suspicious areas early can reduce the need for more extensive therapy and improve long-term survival.
Regular screenings also create a baseline for comparison over time, helping clinicians recognize subtle changes that might otherwise be missed. Patients with risk factors such as tobacco or heavy alcohol use, or those with human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure, benefit from consistent surveillance. Open communication with your provider helps ensure that screenings are scheduled appropriately based on individual risk.
For most patients, an oral cancer exam is appropriate at every routine dental or periodontal visit, typically every six to twelve months depending on your overall oral health and risk profile. Patients with elevated risk factors—such as tobacco and alcohol use, a history of oral lesions, or a weakened immune system—may be advised to have more frequent screenings. Your periodontist or dentist will recommend a schedule tailored to your needs.
Consistency is important because regular exams allow clinicians to monitor any changes over time and intervene early if necessary. If you notice new symptoms between visits, such as persistent sores or lumps, contact your care team right away rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment. Early reporting and prompt evaluation improve the chances of detecting treatable conditions.
An oral cancer exam typically begins with a visual inspection of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth and throat while the clinician looks for color changes, sores or irregularities. The provider will also palpate the tissues and lymph nodes of the head and neck to detect lumps, thickening or areas of tenderness that may warrant further evaluation. The process is noninvasive, generally brief, and causes little or no discomfort.
At A R Periodontics, PC, Dr. Rothstein combines careful clinical evaluation with adjunctive tools when appropriate to improve detection of subtle lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. If an area of concern is identified, the clinician will explain the findings, document the location, and outline recommended next steps such as monitoring, adjunctive testing or referral for diagnostic biopsy. The goal is a clear, personalized plan that prioritizes early diagnosis and patient education.
Common signs and symptoms that should prompt an evaluation include persistent red or white patches, sores that do not heal within two weeks, unexplained lumps or thickened areas, and persistent pain or numbness in the mouth or lips. Additional warning signs can include difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, or a change in the fit of dentures. Any new or changing oral lesion should be assessed by a clinician promptly.
Because many early lesions are painless, patients should not rely solely on discomfort as an indicator of disease. Keeping an eye on visual changes or functional changes—such as altered speech, chewing difficulties, or a persistent sore throat—helps ensure timely evaluation. Your periodontist will document any findings and recommend appropriate follow-up testing or referral when necessary.
In addition to visual inspection and palpation, clinicians may use adjunctive technologies to enhance detection, such as tissue fluorescence visualization, specialized lights, or staining agents that highlight abnormal cells. These tools are helpful for identifying areas that merit closer examination but do not replace clinical judgment or definitive diagnostic procedures. When a suspicious area is found, the most reliable next step is tissue sampling for histological analysis.
If a lesion appears concerning, your provider may recommend a biopsy or referral to an oral surgeon or head and neck specialist for diagnostic evaluation and imaging as needed. Biopsy and laboratory analysis determine whether abnormal cells are benign, precancerous or malignant, and they guide the development of a targeted treatment plan. Clear communication and coordinated care are essential during this diagnostic process.
Several factors increase the risk of developing oral cancer, with tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption accounting for the majority of preventable cases. The American Cancer Society reports that more than 75 percent of oral cancers are linked to such behaviors, and combined use of tobacco and alcohol multiplies the risk. Infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, is also an important risk factor, especially for cancers of the oropharynx.
Other risk contributors include older age, excessive sun exposure to the lips, a weakened immune system, and a personal or family history of cancer. Men are statistically more likely to develop oral cancer than women, although rates can vary by population and risk behaviors. Understanding your individual risk profile helps your clinician recommend an appropriate screening schedule and preventive strategies.
If an abnormality is detected during the exam, the clinician will document the finding, explain its appearance and recommend next steps tailored to the situation. Next steps often include short-term monitoring to see if the lesion resolves, adjunctive testing to better visualize the tissue, or referral for a diagnostic biopsy to establish a definitive diagnosis. Your clinician will discuss the rationale for each option and help you understand the timeline and purpose of follow-up care.
When biopsy or specialist care is required, your periodontist will coordinate referrals and share relevant records to support timely evaluation. If cancer is diagnosed, a multidisciplinary team will outline evidence-based treatment options such as surgery, radiation or systemic therapy based on the type and stage of disease. Throughout the process the focus remains on clear communication, coordinated care and supporting informed decisions.
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by avoiding tobacco in all forms, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining good oral hygiene and protecting your lips from excessive sun exposure. Vaccination against HPV is an effective preventive measure for eligible individuals and can reduce the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. Regular dental and periodontal visits that include screening are also a key component of risk reduction through early detection.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle—such as eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing alcohol intake, and seeking help to quit smoking—supports overall oral and systemic health. If you have specific risk factors, discuss them with your clinician so a personalized prevention and surveillance plan can be developed. Education and regular follow-up are important steps in lowering long-term risk.
Yes, our practice includes routine oral cancer screening as part of comprehensive periodontal care, and screenings are performed as a standard component of new-patient exams and regular maintenance visits. During your visit you can expect a careful visual and manual evaluation of the mouth, facial tissues and neck, with documentation of any findings and a clear explanation of next steps if anything unusual is detected. The goal is to provide timely detection and straightforward guidance tailored to each patient.
At our Livingston office, located at 315 E Northfield Rd, Suite 2E, clinicians combine clinical expertise with appropriate adjunctive tools when indicated to improve lesion detection and patient education. If follow-up testing or specialist referral is recommended, our team will coordinate care and help you understand the diagnostic and treatment pathway. We prioritize clear communication, compassionate care and evidence-based practices to support positive outcomes.
