Where Families in Green Lake Come to Smile
Oral Cancer Screenings Seattle, WA
Finding something off during a routine checkup can feel alarming, but detecting oral cancer early dramatically improves treatment outcomes. At Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry, our dental cleanings and examinations include oral cancer screenings, where your dentist checks for abnormalities in your mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. These quick screenings take just a few minutes but can literally save your life.
Our dentist, Dr. Cherryl Ellison, provides thorough oral cancer screenings during your regular exams. Her patients appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone is checking for potential problems before they become serious health concerns. If you’re looking for comprehensive care that includes preventive screenings, our Seattle practice welcomes you.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
Your dentist visually examines all the soft tissues in your mouth, looking for unusual lumps, bumps, red or white patches, and sores that haven’t healed. The screening includes checking your:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Tongue (top, bottom, and sides)
- Floor of your mouth
- Roof of your mouth
- Throat
Dr. Ellison also feels around your jaw and neck for swollen lymph nodes or other irregularities.
Most oral cancer screenings happen during routine cleanings and exams, making them convenient and non-invasive. The process is painless and takes only a couple of minutes. If anything looks questionable, your dentist may use additional tools, such as special lights or dyes, to get a better view, or recommend a biopsy for further testing.
The screening doesn’t require any special preparation on your part. You don’t need to fast or avoid certain foods beforehand. Just show up for your regular dental appointment, and the screening is included in your comprehensive exam. Many patients don’t even realize they’ve received an oral cancer screening because it blends seamlessly into the regular checkup process.
Why Regular Screenings Matter
According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer detected in its early stages has a five-year survival rate of 84%. However, many cases aren’t found until later stages because symptoms can be minor or mistaken for other problems. Regular screenings catch changes early, when treatment is most effective.
You might think oral cancer only affects heavy smokers or drinkers, but anyone can develop it. While tobacco and alcohol use increase risk, other factors like HPV infection, sun exposure to the lips, and even poor nutrition play a role. Regular screenings protect everyone, regardless of lifestyle habits.
Early-stage oral cancer often shows no symptoms, which is precisely why routine screenings matter so much. By the time you notice pain, difficulty swallowing, or other obvious problems, the cancer may have already progressed. Your dentist can spot cellular changes and precancerous conditions before they develop into more serious conditions. Think of it like checking your car’s oil regularly rather than waiting for the engine light to come on.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Some people face a higher risk than others. Tobacco users (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco) have a significantly elevated risk, as do heavy drinkers. HPV infection, particularly HPV-16, has become an increasingly common cause of oral cancers. People over 40, men more than women, and those with previous oral cancer diagnoses should be especially vigilant.
Additional risk factors include excessive sun exposure to your lips, a weakened immune system, and a family history of cancer. If you work outdoors or enjoy spending time in the sun, protecting your lips with SPF balm can help reduce your risk. People with compromised immune systems due to medications or conditions like HIV face an elevated risk as well.
Watch for these warning signs between dental visits:
- Persistent sores: Mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks
- White or red patches: Unusual colored areas in your mouth
- Lumps or thick spots: Bumps or rough areas in your mouth or on your lips
- Difficulty swallowing: Trouble chewing or moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness: Loss of feeling in your mouth, face, or neck
- Ear pain: Persistent discomfort that doesn’t improve
Don’t ignore these symptoms. While they might indicate something less serious, only a dental professional can determine what’s causing them. If you notice any changes, schedule a visit right away rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.
What to Expect After Your Oral Cancer Screening
Most screenings come back completely normal, which is exactly what you want. If your dentist finds something concerning, don’t panic. Many suspicious areas turn out to be harmless. Your dentist should monitor the area for a few weeks to see if it changes or heals on its own. Sometimes what looks worrisome is just irritation from biting your cheek or eating something too hot.
If a spot doesn’t improve or looks particularly concerning, your dentist may recommend a biopsy. This involves extracting a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis. While waiting for results feels stressful, remember that early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes. Not every abnormality indicates cancer, and many biopsies reveal benign conditions that require minimal intervention.
Schedule Your Screening at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Cherryl Ellison and her team at Green Lake Cosmetic Dentistry provide comprehensive oral cancer screenings as part of routine dental care. Located in Seattle’s Green Lake neighborhood, the practice combines thorough preventive care with a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Dr. Ellison stays current with the latest dental technologies and techniques through her memberships in Spear and Seattle Study Clubs.
Whether you need a routine checkup or have specific concerns about changes in your mouth, Dr. Ellison provides comprehensive dental care in one convenient location. Don’t put off this simple screening that could make all the difference for your health; contact us today.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Cherryl Ellison – Dental Fillings In Green Lake
With over six years of experience and a reputation for clarity and kindness, Dr. Cherryl Ellison delivers dental fillings in Green Lake that feel calm, transparent, and comfortable. She’s known for explaining procedures in plain terms, using modern techniques, and treating each patient like a person—not a chart. From first-time patients to longtime regulars, she makes dental visits feel approachable and personalized.
Book Your Dental Filling Appointment Today
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a big problem. Whether you’re due for a checkup or already know something needs attention, we’re here to help—with no pressure and no surprises.