Oral Cancer Screening in Washington, PA
Enhanced Wellness performs oral cancer screenings at every comprehensive exam and hygiene visit in Washington, PA. When caught early, oral cancer has a survival rate of over 80%. Left undetected, that number drops to around 30%. A two-minute exam at your routine checkup can make all the difference.
Enhanced Wellness · 620 N Main St, Washington, PA 15301 · (724) 278-8246
Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters
Oral cancer is one of the most survivable cancers — but only when found early. The problem is that early-stage oral cancer rarely causes pain or noticeable symptoms. Most people who develop it have no idea until it's advanced. That's exactly why a routine screening by a trained professional is so important.
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim performs a thorough visual and tactile oral cancer screening at every comprehensive exam and hygiene visit at Enhanced Wellness. It takes only a few minutes, is completely painless, and is often covered by insurance as part of your regular checkup.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth, throat, lips, or tongue. Many early lesions look similar to common mouth sores — which is exactly why professional evaluation matters. Do not ignore any of the following if they persist for more than two weeks:
Sores That Won't Heal
Any ulcer, sore, or wound in the mouth that does not heal within 2 weeks should be evaluated promptly.
Red or White Patches
Red patches (erythroplakia) or white patches (leukoplakia) on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks can be precancerous.
Unexplained Lump or Thickening
A lump, bump, or thickened area anywhere in the mouth, jaw, or neck that appears without explanation.
Persistent Hoarseness or Sore Throat
Chronic hoarseness or a sore throat without an obvious cause, particularly in a smoker or heavy drinker.
Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing
Pain or difficulty moving the jaw, swallowing food, or chewing that can't be explained by a dental problem.
Numbness or Tenderness
Persistent numbness, tenderness, or pain in the mouth, face, or neck without an obvious dental cause.
Bleeding Without Cause
Unexplained bleeding from the mouth or throat not related to gum disease or an injury.
Ear Pain
Persistent pain in one ear without hearing loss can sometimes be referred pain from an oral or throat lesion.
Important: Any of the above lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by Dr. Wakim or your physician — do not wait for your next scheduled appointment.
Who Is at Highest Risk?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors significantly increase the risk. Enhanced Wellness recommends more frequent screenings for patients with any of the following risk factors:
Elevated risk factors for oral cancer
- Tobacco use of any kind — cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff
- Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption
- History of HPV infection (human papillomavirus)
- Age 45 and older — risk increases significantly with age
- Male — men are about twice as likely to develop oral cancer
- Prolonged sun exposure (increases lip cancer risk)
- Prior head or neck radiation treatment
- Personal or family history of oral cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Poor nutrition or diet low in fruits and vegetables
HPV-related oral cancers have been rising significantly in recent decades, particularly among non-smokers. You don't need traditional risk factors to develop oral cancer — which is why screening everyone at routine visits is so important.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
The screening is performed as part of your regular exam at Enhanced Wellness. It is completely painless and takes just a few minutes.
1
Visual Examination
Dr. Wakim visually inspects all soft tissues inside the mouth — lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of mouth, roof of mouth, and the back of the throat — looking for any color changes, ulcers, swelling, or abnormal patches.
~1–2 minutes2
Physical Palpation
Dr. Wakim gently feels the floor of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and neck for any lumps, bumps, asymmetry, or enlarged lymph nodes that could indicate a problem not visible to the eye.
~1–2 minutes3
If Something Is Found
If Dr. Wakim sees an area of concern, she will document it, discuss it with you, and either monitor it at a follow-up visit or refer you to an oral surgeon or ENT specialist for further evaluation. Most findings are benign — but we take every one seriously.
Referral if neededHow to Check Yourself at Home
Between dental visits, you can perform a quick self-exam once a month. It only takes a few minutes and significantly increases the chances of catching something early.
Monthly oral self-exam — step by step
- Stand in front of a well-lit mirror. Remove any dentures or removable appliances.
- Look at and feel your lips — both the outer surface and the inner lining. Check for sores, color changes, or lumps.
- Tilt your head back and look at the roof of your mouth. Check for red or white patches or bumps.
- Stick out your tongue and check all surfaces — top, underside, and sides. Pull it gently to each side to examine the edges.
- Use your finger to feel the floor of your mouth under the tongue for any lumps or sore areas.
- Check your inner cheeks and gums for color changes, sores, or thickened areas.
- Feel your jaw and neck on both sides for any lumps, swelling, or tenderness.
- If you notice anything unusual that doesn't resolve in two weeks — call us.
Trusted by Washington, PA for 15+ Years
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim has been caring for patients across Washington County for over 15 years. Oral cancer screening is a standard part of every exam at Enhanced Wellness — not an afterthought. She takes her responsibility as a patient's primary point of oral health contact seriously, and that means making sure nothing gets missed.
★★★★★
500+
Five-Star Google Reviews
★★★★★
15+
Years Serving Washington, PA
★★★★★
30K+
Successful Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The screening is completely painless. It involves a visual inspection of the soft tissues and a gentle physical examination of the jaw and neck. It takes just a couple of minutes and requires no tools, instruments, or discomfort.
Oral cancer screening performed as part of a comprehensive exam or routine checkup is typically covered by dental insurance as part of the exam itself. Some insurers cover additional dedicated screening services. Our team will review your benefits when you schedule.
At Enhanced Wellness, we perform an oral cancer screening at every comprehensive exam and hygiene visit — so if you're coming in twice a year for cleanings, you're being screened twice a year. Patients with elevated risk factors (tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, HPV history) should discuss whether more frequent dedicated screenings are appropriate.
Dr. Wakim will discuss the finding with you immediately. Most abnormalities turn out to be benign — a canker sore, minor irritation, or harmless tissue variation. If something warrants further investigation, we'll refer you to an oral surgeon or ENT specialist for a biopsy or additional evaluation. Early referral is always better than waiting.
Yes. While tobacco and alcohol are the most well-known risk factors, HPV-related oral cancers have risen significantly in recent decades and frequently affect non-smokers, often younger adults. Oral cancer can occur in anyone. Routine screening at your dental visit is a simple, no-cost way to stay protected regardless of your lifestyle.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Washington, PA
It takes two minutes. It's included in your regular checkup. And it could save your life. Don't put it off — call Enhanced Wellness today.
Enhanced Wellness · 620 N Main St, Washington, PA 15301 · Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS