Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve the chances for a successful treatment. Death rates associated with oral cancer are significantly high, usually because the cancer has gone undetected and spread, or metastasized, to other locations in the body such as lymph nodes near the neck. Unfortunately, patients usually can not detect oral cancer in it’s early stages because it usually presents without any pain or symptoms. There are a number of different oral cancers, but the most common is squamous cell carcinoma. Oral cancer screenings are performed during the new patient exam and it is continually monitored at each dental cleaning visit. The exam is performed by the doctor utilizing a high output light source and 4.5x magnification. The areas being examined include: lips, cheek, gums, all aspects of the tongue, throat, palate, roof of mouth, buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth, tonsils, lymph nodes, pharynx, soft palate, vestibules, and skin.