Protect Your Oral Health With Attention to Early Warning Signs
A sore that will not heal or a change in your mouth deserves attention, even if it does not hurt. At The Dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kirian provides oral cancer screening in Newark, Ohio, as part of routine dental examinations and evaluates concerns between visits.
Call 740-366-1236 to schedule an appointment. Tell our team about any symptoms and how long you have noticed them so we can help arrange appropriate care.
A Check That Looks Beyond Your Teeth
Oral cancer screening involves looking at and gently feeling the tissues of your mouth and surrounding areas. It helps identify changes that may need further investigation.
- Attention to oral tissues: Your examination includes more than checking for cavities.
- A chance to discuss symptoms: Tell us about changes you have noticed, including those that come and go.
- Clear next steps: Dr. Kirian explains findings and whether follow-up or specialist evaluation is needed.
Changes You Should Have Checked
Contact a dentist or doctor about symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, including:
- A mouth sore, irritation or thickened area
- A red or white patch
- A lump in your mouth or neck
- Unexplained bleeding, pain or numbness
- Persistent hoarseness or a feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue or jaw
These symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but an examination is important. You can call sooner whenever a change concerns you. Do not wait for your next scheduled cleaning to mention it.
What Happens During the Examination?
Dr. Kirian reviews your health history and asks about symptoms and relevant risk factors. He examines areas such as your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth and palate, and may gently feel your mouth, jaw and neck for unusual changes.
The examination does not involve cutting tissue. Tell us if an area is tender so we can take that into account. Screening can be included in your regular dental examination.
What If an Area Looks Suspicious?
A screening is not a cancer diagnosis. If Dr. Kirian identifies a suspicious area, he will explain the need for prompt further evaluation and arrange an appropriate referral. A biopsy, which involves examining a tissue sample, may be needed to establish a diagnosis.
If follow-up is recommended, keep the appointment even if the area feels better. Ask our team if you are unsure about the next step.
Screening Without Symptoms
You do not need to notice a problem before having your oral tissues examined. Some changes are difficult to see yourself or may not cause discomfort.
Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, certain HPV infections and a previous oral cancer diagnosis can affect risk. Oral cancer can also occur without these factors. Share relevant health history with Dr. Kirian so he can consider your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
Does an unusual spot mean I have cancer?
No. Many sores, patches and lumps have other causes. An examination helps determine whether the area needs treatment, follow-up or further investigation.
Can a screening rule out every oral cancer?
No. An examination cannot detect every cancer or guarantee that one will not develop. Report new or persistent symptoms even if your last screening found no concerns.
Do I need screening if I have never smoked?
Oral tissue examinations remain part of routine dental care. Tobacco is a risk factor, but people who have never used it can develop oral cancer.
How often should my mouth be examined?
Dr. Kirian includes oral cancer screening in routine dental examinations. Your health history and any findings help guide recommendations for additional evaluation or follow-up.
Should I wait until my next cleaning to mention a sore?
No. Call about a persistent or concerning change. Tell our team when it started and whether it has changed so we can help you arrange an evaluation.
Have a Concern Checked
Call 740-366-1236 or contact The Dentist to schedule an oral examination with Dr. Kirian in Newark, Ohio. We will listen to your concerns, explain what we find and help you understand the next steps.