Oral tissues
Dr. Lee visually examines the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, and the visible areas of the throat for changes in color, texture, contour, or tissue integrity.
Oral cancer screening in Seattle
Dr. Jaime Lee performs routine oral cancer screenings to evaluate the tissues of your mouth, throat, jaw, and neck for changes that may require further attention.
The screening is an examination, not a cancer diagnosis. If Dr. Lee identifies a concerning area, she determines the appropriate next step for definitive evaluation.
Clinical screening
Why is oral cancer screening important?
Routine screening gives Dr. Lee a consistent opportunity to examine oral and surrounding tissues for visible or palpable changes and compare those findings over time.
When a change appears concerning or persists, prompt diagnostic evaluation can clarify what the tissue represents and whether treatment is needed.
- A sore or irritation that persists
- A red or white patch
- A lump or thickened area
- Persistent difficulty swallowing or throat symptoms
What does an oral cancer screening check?
Jaw and neck
She also examines and gently palpates the jaw and neck to evaluate tissue changes, swelling, or enlarged areas that warrant additional assessment.
Follow-up of a finding
If Dr. Lee finds an oral tissue change that needs further evaluation, she may monitor it or refer you for diagnostic assessment. A biopsy allows a pathologist to examine tissue when a definitive diagnosis is needed.
How does an oral cancer screening work?
- Health history. Dr. Lee reviews factors relevant to oral cancer risk, including tobacco exposure, alcohol use, prior diagnoses, and other medical history.
- Visual examination. She examines the oral tissues and visible throat for changes in color, texture, contour, or healing.
- Tactile examination. She gently feels areas of the mouth, jaw, and neck when palpation adds useful information to the screening.
- Follow-up. If a finding needs additional assessment, Dr. Lee identifies the next step, which may include monitoring or referral for definitive diagnosis.
Who should have an oral cancer screening?
Adults should receive a comprehensive visual and tactile oral examination as part of routine dental care. Screening is not limited to people who already know they have a risk factor.
Tobacco exposure, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, increasing age, and sun exposure to the lips can increase oral or throat cancer risk and give Dr. Lee additional context during the examination.
What changes in my mouth should I have checked?
Schedule an evaluation if you notice a sore, irritation, red or white patch, lump, thickened area, persistent throat symptom, or another oral change that has not healed within two weeks.
When you do not have a specific concern, Dr. Lee incorporates oral cancer screening into routine preventive evaluation.
What does an oral cancer screening cost?
Smile Art includes routine oral cancer screening as part of the dental examination. Your out-of-pocket cost therefore depends on the services included in the visit and how your PPO dental benefits apply.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on your plan and the other services provided during the visit.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Who provides your care at Smile Art?
Dr. Jaime Lee earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in 2002. She performs conventional visual and tactile oral examinations as part of preventive care and coordinates further diagnostic evaluation when a finding requires more than clinical observation.
Frequently asked questions
Can an oral cancer screening diagnose cancer?
No. The screening identifies tissue changes that may require further assessment. A biopsy with microscopic examination is used when a definitive tissue diagnosis is needed.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
The routine screening uses visual examination and gentle palpation of the oral tissues, jaw, and neck. It does not involve a biopsy unless a separate diagnostic procedure is later recommended.
Do I need a separate appointment for routine screening?
No. Dr. Lee incorporates oral cancer screening into routine preventive dental evaluation.
What happens if Dr. Lee finds an unusual area?
She evaluates the features of the area and determines whether it should be monitored or referred for additional diagnostic assessment.
Who has a higher risk of oral cancer?
Risk can increase with tobacco exposure, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, increasing age, and sun exposure to the lips. Screening is still part of routine adult dental evaluation even when no known risk factor is present.
How long should I wait for a mouth sore to heal?
Schedule an evaluation if a sore, patch, lump, or other noticeable oral change has not healed within two weeks.
What parts of the mouth are examined?
Dr. Lee examines the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, visible throat, jaw, and neck as part of the screening.
Does Smile Art accept dental insurance?
Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans. The team can verify your benefits and explain how coverage applies to the services included in your visit.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.