Oral Cancer Screening in Philadelphia
Oral cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early. Oral cancer diagnosed at Stage 1 has a good prognosis — the five-year survival rate is between 80 and 85 percent. When it is caught late, that number drops significantly. A screening takes a few minutes and is included in every routine exam at Razavi Dental.
80–85%
Five-year survival rate for Stage 1 oral cancer
What Is Oral Cancer Screening Philadelphia Patients Receive at Razavi Dental?
Oral cancer screening Philadelphia patients receive at Razavi Dental is included in every routine exam — a visual and physical examination that takes a few minutes and can catch cancer at its most treatable stage. Dr. Razavi performs a screening at every routine exam appointment. She is looking for anything that does not belong: unusual patches, lumps, sores, or tissue changes that could be early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.
The exam takes a few minutes and is completely painless. Most patients do not realize it is happening because it is a natural part of the examination.
Who Should Get Screened?
Oral cancer screening is recommended for all adults. Certain factors increase risk and make regular screening especially important:
- Tobacco use in any form including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco
- Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption
- HPV infection, particularly HPV-16
- Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- A previous oral cancer diagnosis
- Family history of oral or throat cancer
If none of these apply to you, screening is still worthwhile. A significant portion of oral cancer cases occur in patients with no known risk factors.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment if you notice any of the following. These symptoms do not mean you have cancer — they mean something should be looked at. Earlier is always better.
A sore in the mouth that has not healed after two weeks
Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheek
A lump or thickening in the mouth, cheek, or neck
Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips that does not go away
Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
What Happens During the Screening?
The screening is built into your routine cleaning and exam appointment at Razavi Dental. Here is what Dr. Razavi does:
1
Visual Examination
Dr. Razavi examines the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, and back of the throat — looking for color changes, asymmetry, swelling, or anything that looks different from healthy tissue.
2
Physical Palpation
She palpates the jaw and neck to check for lumps, swollen lymph nodes, or any abnormalities that cannot be seen visually.
3
Lighted Instrument Exam
A lighted instrument is used to examine areas of the mouth that are difficult to see clearly under normal light, ensuring nothing is missed.
If anything looks unusual, Dr. Razavi will explain what she found. Finding something unusual does not mean you have cancer. It means it needs to be looked at more closely.
Oral Cancer Screening Cost
At Razavi Dental, oral cancer screening is included as part of your routine cleaning and exam appointment. There is no separate charge. For patients coming in specifically for a screening, coverage varies by insurance plan. Razavi Dental will verify your benefits before the appointment so there are no surprises.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
Once a year is the standard recommendation for most adults. Patients with one or more risk factors may benefit from more frequent monitoring. Dr. Razavi assesses each patient individually and will let you know if she recommends a different interval based on what she sees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral cancer screening painful?
No. The screening is a visual and physical exam that takes a few minutes. There is no discomfort involved.
What happens if something looks abnormal?
Dr. Razavi will explain exactly what she found and what the next step is. Depending on what she sees, she may monitor the area at your next appointment, recommend a short follow-up visit, or refer you for a biopsy. A referral does not mean you have cancer. It means the finding warrants a closer look by a specialist.
Can oral cancer screening detect throat cancer?
The screening focuses on the oral cavity. Signs that may suggest involvement further down the throat, such as persistent hoarseness or difficulty swallowing, are noted and referred to the appropriate specialist. If you are experiencing those symptoms, mention them at your appointment.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Philadelphia
Oral cancer screening is included in every routine exam at Razavi Dental. If you are overdue for a cleaning and exam or have noticed something that concerns you, call the office or schedule online. For patients in Center City looking for oral cancer screening Philadelphia dentists include as standard care, Razavi Dental provides this at every routine visit at no additional charge.