Oral Cancer Screening in Fort Collins, CO

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are Important

Oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages. By the time it's visible or painful, it may already be at an advanced stage. Regular screenings help detect suspicious tissue changes before they become more serious.

An oral cancer screening may identify:

• Unexplained lumps or swelling in the mouth or neck
• White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• Sores that do not heal within 2 weeks
• Persistent hoarseness, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing
• Changes in bite or how dentures fit

Because these symptoms often resemble minor issues, they can be easily ignored. That’s why a professional evaluation during your dental exam is so critical.

Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?

While anyone can develop oral cancer, some factors increase your risk:

• Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping)
• Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption
• HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
• Excessive sun exposure to the lips
• Family history of cancer
• Age 40 and older

Even if you don’t fall into a high-risk category, regular screenings during your general dentistry visits are essential for peace of mind.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening at Ray Dental is fast, non-invasive, and performed during your routine hygiene visit. We carefully examine your entire mouth and related structures, checking for anything unusual or concerning.

The screening includes:

1. Visual Exam – We inspect your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and the roof and floor of your mouth for any discolored patches, sores, or asymmetries.
2. Physical Palpation – Gently feeling along your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to check for swelling, lumps, or hardened areas.
3. Discussion of Symptoms – If you’ve noticed recent changes like difficulty swallowing, a chronic sore throat, or voice changes, we’ll discuss those in detail.
4. Follow-Up Plan – If we identify anything suspicious, we may recommend a short-term re-evaluation or refer you to a specialist for further testing.

Early-stage oral cancers often don’t cause discomfort, making proactive screening your best defense.

Screening as Part of Whole-Health Dentistry

Oral cancer screening is just one of the ways we care for your overall health—not just your teeth. Because symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked, we prioritize screening during every routine exam and cleaning for adults.

At Ray Dental, Dr. Veronica Ray brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to every appointment. Her commitment to prevention and patient education ensures you always receive care that looks out for your long-term health and well-being—not just your smile.

We are proud to serve patients from Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, Greeley, and surrounding communities who value dental care that is guided by science, precision, and trust.