Painless oral cancer screening at Osuna Dental Care in Albuquerque NM
Patient Education · Albuquerque, NM

Oral Cancer Screening
in Albuquerque, NM

Quick, painless and potentially life-saving. A 5-minute screening as part of your routine dental exam catches problems early when treatment is most effective.

★★★★★ 4.9 from 1,500+ Albuquerque patients
Early Detection

Why a 5-Minute Screening Matters

Oral cancer often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. By the time visible changes appear or you notice something feels off, the disease may have already progressed. Regular screenings catch problems early when treatment is dramatically more effective.

The screening itself is quick, painless and non-invasive. Less than 5 minutes as part of your routine dental exam. No special preparation, no needles, no x-rays required. Just a careful visual and physical examination of your lips, mouth, throat and neck.

At Osuna Dental Care, Drs. Chris Kim and Christopher Graham include oral cancer screening in every comprehensive exam. Patients in high-risk groups like tobacco users, heavy alcohol users and those over 40 benefit from extra attention to subtle changes that could indicate early-stage disease.

If you've been putting off your dental checkup, this is one more reason to schedule it. The visit could literally save your life.

Free Screening at Your Exam

Oral cancer screening is included as part of your routine dental exam at Osuna Dental Care. No extra charge.

  • ✓ Visual inspection of lips and mouth
  • ✓ Tongue exam (top, sides, underneath)
  • ✓ Throat and palate inspection
  • ✓ Neck and lymph node palpation
  • ✓ Documentation of any concerns

Quick · Painless · Free

Less than 5 minutes during your exam
Book Your Exam Call (505) 884-1989
Survival Rate Data

Early Detection Changes Everything

The 5-year survival rate for oral cancer depends dramatically on when it's caught. This is why regular screenings matter so much.

Caught Early
~84%
5-year survival rate when detected at the localized stage
Caught Late
~39%
5-year survival rate after distant spread

Source: National Cancer Institute SEER data, 5-year relative survival rates

What We Check

5 Areas We Carefully Examine

A thorough screening covers more than just your teeth. We look at every area where oral cancer can develop.

Lips, Cheeks & Gums

Inside and outside surfaces, gum line and inner cheeks for any color or texture changes.

Tongue

Top surface, sides and underneath. The sides and underside are common cancer sites.

Roof & Floor

Hard and soft palate plus the floor of the mouth where saliva glands are located.

Back of Throat

The oropharynx where HPV-related cancers commonly develop.

Neck & Jaw

Lymph nodes and surrounding tissue gently palpated for swelling or unusual lumps.

Less than 5 minutes

What to Expect During Your Screening

Quick, painless and built into your routine exam. Here's exactly what happens when we screen for oral cancer.

1

External Inspection

We examine your face, lips and neck for visible asymmetry, swelling or lesions.

2

Lymph Node Check

Gentle palpation of neck and jaw to feel for unusual lumps or swelling.

3

Mouth & Tongue Exam

Visual and gentle physical examination of the entire oral cavity, including under the tongue.

4

Special Lights If Needed

Special lights or dyes used in some cases to highlight tissue abnormalities not visible to the eye.

5

Discuss Findings

We document anything noteworthy, explain what we saw and recommend follow-up if needed.

Higher Risk

6 Groups That Should Screen Regularly

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors significantly raise risk. If you fit any of these, talk to us about more frequent screenings.

Tobacco Users

Smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco of any form significantly raises oral cancer risk.

Frequent Alcohol Use

Heavy or daily alcohol consumption multiplies risk, especially combined with tobacco.

Heavy Sun Exposure

Outdoor workers and frequent sun exposure raises risk of lip cancer specifically.

History of Oral Cancer

Personal or family history of oral cancer means closer monitoring is essential.

HPV Positive

Now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers in younger adults. Discuss with us.

Adults Over 40

Risk increases substantially with age. Annual screenings become especially important.

Warning Signs

7 Symptoms That Need Attention

These symptoms don't always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored. If any persist for more than 2 weeks, schedule an evaluation.

If you've noticed any of these for more than 2 weeks, contact us promptly. Most turn out to be benign, but timely evaluation is the only way to know for sure.

Mouth Sores That Don't Heal

Sores or ulcers persisting beyond 2 weeks deserve evaluation.

Red or White Patches

Unusual patches inside the mouth may signal precancerous changes.

Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing

New or persistent difficulty with normal eating motions.

Lumps in Neck or Throat

Unexplained lumps or swellings, especially on one side of the neck.

Change in Denture Fit

Dentures suddenly fitting differently can signal underlying tissue changes.

Numbness or Pain

Persistent numbness, tingling or pain in the mouth or jaw without obvious cause.

Visible Tissue Changes

Any unusual lumps, thickening or texture changes in mouth tissue.

Persistent Hoarseness

Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than a few weeks.

Risk Reduction

5 Ways to Lower Your Risk

There's no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer, but lifestyle factors significantly affect risk. These habits give you the best protection.

  • 1
    Avoid Tobacco & Limit Alcohol Tobacco and heavy alcohol use are the biggest controllable risk factors. Quitting reduces risk significantly over time.
  • 2
    Use SPF Lip Balm Outdoors Lip cancer is preventable. SPF 30+ lip balm and broad-brimmed hats protect against UV-induced lip cancer.
  • 3
    Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Healthy gums and tissue resist disease better. Brush twice daily, floss daily and stay current with cleanings.
  • 4
    Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet Fruits, vegetables and whole grains provide antioxidants and nutrients that support immune function and tissue health.
  • 5
    Schedule Regular Dental Exams Professional screenings every 6 to 12 months catch problems you can't see yourself, when treatment options are widest.

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Most oral cancers are detected by dentists during routine exams. By coming in for regular checkups, you give us the best chance to spot anything concerning before it becomes serious.

Schedule Your Exam

Office Hours

  • Monday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Visit Us in Northeast Heights

5900 Cubero Dr NE Ste B
Albuquerque, NM 87109

Call (505) 884-1989
Why Osuna Dental Care

Thorough Screening, Trusted Care

Family-owned since 1993. Two experienced doctors. Oral cancer screening included in every comprehensive exam at no extra charge.

30+

Years in Albuquerque

Family-owned and operated since 1993, with deep community roots.

4.9★

Google Rating

Over 1,500 verified reviews from real patients across New Mexico.

5min

Painless Screening

Quick visual and physical exam included with every comprehensive checkup.

$0

Extra Charge

Oral cancer screening included in routine dental exams at no additional cost.

FAQ

Common Questions About Oral Cancer Screening

Quick answers to what Albuquerque patients ask us most. Don't see yours? Just call.

How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
Most adults should receive an oral cancer screening once a year, typically as part of a routine dental exam. Patients in high-risk groups (tobacco users, heavy alcohol users, HPV-positive, over 40, history of oral cancer) may benefit from screenings every 6 months. We perform screenings as part of every comprehensive dental exam at Osuna Dental Care.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. Oral cancer screenings are completely painless and non-invasive. The dentist visually inspects and gently feels (palpates) the tissues of your mouth, throat and neck. The whole process takes less than 5 minutes and requires no special preparation.
How long does an oral cancer screening take?
Less than 5 minutes typically. The dentist examines your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, palate, throat and lymph nodes in the neck. We perform the screening as part of your regular dental exam, so it adds minimal time to your appointment.
What are the early warning signs of oral cancer?
Common early warning signs include persistent mouth sores that don't heal within 2 weeks, red or white patches inside the mouth, difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking, unexplained lumps in the neck or throat, changes in how dentures fit, numbness or pain in the mouth or jaw and visible changes in oral tissue. These symptoms don't always indicate cancer but should never be ignored.
Who is at highest risk for oral cancer?
The highest-risk groups include tobacco users (smoking, vaping or chewing), heavy alcohol consumers, people with HPV (human papillomavirus), individuals with extensive sun exposure (lip cancer risk), adults over 40 and those with a personal or family history of oral cancer. Combinations of these factors significantly multiply risk.
Is oral cancer screening covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screening as part of a routine preventive exam, which is typically covered at 100 percent. Advanced screening tools (like VELscope or oral brush biopsy) may have separate codes that vary by insurance. We verify your benefits before any screening and explain costs clearly.
What happens if my dentist finds something suspicious?
Most suspicious findings turn out to be benign (canker sores, leukoplakia from irritation, etc.). If something looks concerning, we may take a closer look with special lighting, document it with photos and recommend re-evaluation in 2 to 3 weeks. If the area persists or worsens, we refer you to an oral surgeon or ENT specialist for biopsy.
Can young people get oral cancer?
Yes. While oral cancer is most common in adults over 40, rates are increasing in younger adults due to HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer can affect adults in their 30s and 40s with no traditional risk factors. This makes regular screenings important for all adults.
Should I get screened if I don't smoke or drink?
Yes. While smoking and heavy alcohol use are major risk factors, about 25 percent of oral cancers occur in people without these traditional risk factors. HPV, sun exposure, genetics and unknown factors contribute to oral cancer. Annual screenings catch problems early regardless of risk profile.
What's the survival rate for oral cancer?
The 5-year survival rate depends heavily on when oral cancer is detected. Caught at the localized stage (before spreading), the 5-year survival rate is approximately 84 percent. Once it spreads to distant sites, the rate drops to about 39 percent. This dramatic difference is why early detection through regular screening is so important.
Do you serve patients outside Albuquerque?
Yes. We see patients from across the Albuquerque metro area including Northeast Heights, Academy Acres North, Rio Rancho, Corrales, North Valley and surrounding New Mexico communities. Our office is at 5900 Cubero Dr NE STE B, Albuquerque, NM 87109 with easy parking and convenient appointment times.

5 Minutes Could Save Your Life.

Book a comprehensive dental exam at Osuna Dental Care. Oral cancer screening is included automatically. Quick, painless, potentially life-saving. Take the proactive step today.

Book Your Exam Call (505) 884-1989