Oral Cancer Screenings in Asheville, NC
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Oral cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when it is caught early, but it is also one of the most overlooked. Most people do not think about oral cancer during their regular dental visits, yet a quick, painless screening can make all the difference. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools we have, and routine screenings give your care team the best possible chance of catching something before it becomes serious.
At the office of Dr. Travis J. Calhoun, DDS, oral cancer screenings are a routine part of how we care for patients across western North Carolina. With over 30 years of experience and a genuine commitment to your whole-body health, Dr. Calhoun treats every patient like family. Our dental services in Asheville are built on the idea that prevention matters, and an oral cancer screening is one of the most important preventive steps you can take.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical exam your dentist performs to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. It’s quick, painless, and takes just a few minutes during your regular dental appointment. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and around 11,000 people lose their lives to this disease annually.
During the screening, we check your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, the roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. We are looking for anything unusual, including:
- Red or white patches that do not heal on their own
- Sores, lumps, or thickened areas inside the mouth
- Persistent hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- Numbness, tenderness, or pain in the mouth or face without a clear cause
Noticing any of these signs does not mean you have cancer, but it does mean we want to take a closer look. That early conversation is exactly what screenings are designed to start.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer in Asheville, NC?
Common risk factors include tobacco use in any form, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure to the lips. Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, has also been strongly linked to oral and throat cancers in recent years. Age plays a role as well, with oral cancer more commonly diagnosed in adults over 40, though younger adults are not immune.
That said, oral cancer can develop in people with no obvious risk factors at all. This is one of the main reasons we encourage all of our patients to have a screening at every visit, not just those who smoke or drink.
How Often Should You Get Screened for Oral Cancer?
For most adults, an annual oral cancer screening is appropriate. If you have a higher risk profile, such as a history of tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, or a prior oral lesion, we may recommend more frequent screenings.
The good news is that for patients already coming in for routine cleanings, the screening fits naturally into your existing visit. Our new patient experience includes an oral cancer screening as part of your comprehensive initial exam. If it has been a while since your last dental visit, now is a great time to schedule one.
What Happens If Something Is Found?
If we notice something during your screening that warrants a closer look, we will let you know clearly and calmly. Finding something unusual during a screening does not mean you have cancer. Many mouth spots and sores are completely benign.
Next Steps After a Positive Screen
Depending on what we observe, the next steps may include monitoring the area for a few weeks to see if it resolves on its own or referring to an oral surgeon or specialist for a biopsy. A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose oral cancer, and your care team will walk you through every step of the process. Our goal is always to ensure you have the information you need without unnecessary alarm.
Why Choose Dr. Travis J. Calhoun, DDS, for Oral Cancer Screenings in Asheville?
Dr. Calhoun has been caring for patients in Asheville for over 30 years, and that kind of continuity means something. When the same dentist sees you year after year, they notice changes in your mouth that a new provider might miss. Our experienced team shares that same commitment to attentive, whole-person care, and your screenings are always performed in that same warm, unhurried environment.
As a fee-for-service practice, we file insurance on your behalf and also offer flexible financing through CareCredit, so cost does not have to stand in the way of getting screened. Our payment and financing options are designed to make care straightforward and accessible for families throughout western North Carolina.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening With Travis J. Calhoun, DDS Today
Oral cancer screenings are a simple, low-effort step that can have a significant impact on your long-term health. We cover the basics of your oral health, check for anything that needs attention, and send you home with a clear picture of where things stand. Dr. Calhoun and his team at our Asheville dental office bring over three decades of experience to every appointment, and that kind of relationship-based care is hard to find.
Ready to get your screening on the books? Use our contact form to schedule your visit. We look forward to seeing you.
Questions about payments and financing options? Give us a call at (828) 277-2722.
Meet Dr. Travis Calhoun, DDS
Dr. Travis Calhoun has been treating patients throughout Asheville and western North Carolina for over 30 years. A born-and-raised Asheville native, he studied at the University of Georgia before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and has run a fee-for-service family practice here ever since. Patients trust his unhurried, detail-oriented approach to every treatment plan.
"It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available, in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere."