A Quick Check That Can Catch Serious Problems Early
Oral cancer often shows no early symptoms. A routine visual and physical screening — done as part of your regular exam — is one of the most effective ways to catch it while it's still highly treatable.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Boris Zusin, DDS, FAGD, MBA, MS, Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) · Last reviewed July 31, 2026
A Painless Exam, Built Into Your Routine Visit
Because oral cancer can develop with few or no early warning signs, regular screening is one of the simplest, highest-value things a routine dental visit does for your overall health. Dr. Boris Zusin checks your mouth, tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, and throat at every exam for any tissue changes that warrant a closer look.
Am I a Candidate?
Every patient benefits from routine oral cancer screening, regardless of age or risk factors — it's a standard part of your exam. Patients who use tobacco or alcohol regularly, have had HPV exposure, spend significant time in the sun, or have a family history of oral cancer should mention this so we can pay extra attention during your visit.
Between Visits: A Simple Self-Exam at Home
Your screening at Zusin Dental is the most thorough check you'll get, but a quick self-exam every month or two — it takes under two minutes, with a mirror and good light — helps you notice a change sooner rather than at your next six-month visit.
Work your way through each area, looking for anything new: a sore that hasn't healed in two weeks, a lump, a white or red patch, numbness, or persistent pain. Most of what you find will be nothing — a bit of cheek-biting irritation, a canker sore — but if something doesn't resolve on its own, call us and we'll take a look at your next visit or sooner if it's concerning.
Care From a Team That Knows You
Dr. Boris Zusin is an expert in general, cosmetic, implant, and dental sleep medicine, with 30+ years of clinical experience and ongoing continuing education. Lena Zusin, RDH works alongside him to make every visit as warm and comfortable as possible.
“Drawing upon our combined skills refined through years of experience and continued education, Lena and I will do everything possible to ensure that your entire dental experience at our office is as good as possible.” — Dr. Boris Zusin
- Uncompromising clinical excellence
- Meticulous attention to detail
- A gentle approach to dentistry
FAQ: Oral Cancer Screening at Zusin Dental, NYC
Dr. Boris Zusin performs a visual and physical examination of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, lips, gums, and throat, checking for any unusual lumps, white or red patches, sores that haven't healed, or other changes in tissue. He'll also gently feel the jaw, neck, and floor of the mouth for anything out of the ordinary.
No — it's a painless visual and manual exam, typically taking just a few minutes. It's usually included as part of your routine dental exam, so it doesn't require a separate appointment.
Oral cancer often doesn't cause pain or obvious symptoms in its earliest, most treatable stages, which is part of why regular screening matters — catching changes early, before they're noticeable to you, significantly improves outcomes.
- Tobacco use of any kind, including smokeless tobacco
- Frequent or heavy alcohol use
- HPV (human papillomavirus) exposure
- Significant sun exposure on the lips
- Age over 40
- A personal or family history of oral cancer
Most unusual findings turn out to be harmless — things like minor irritation or a canker sore. If something looks like it needs a closer look, we'll recommend a biopsy or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Either way, catching it early gives you the most options.
An oral cancer screening is part of your routine dental exam, so as long as you're keeping up with your regular six-month visits, you're being screened regularly. Patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent attention to this during visits.
Ready to Get Started?
You will never be treated like a statistic at Zusin Dental. Let's talk about what's right for you.
Schedule Your Visit Call 212-877-7475Your Experience Matters To Us
5.0 out of 5 on Google (38 reviews) · 4.9 out of 5 on Zocdoc (220 reviews)
“Knowledge is an understatement when you talk about Dr. Zusin! My family and I have been patients of his for over 20 years. I always feel I am given the best advice and never pressured into any unnecessary treatment.”
Faina S.
“I tried a couple different dentists in NYC and Zusin Dental is the best. They are thorough, they don't try and upsell you services you don't need, and they offer appointments on Saturday. The best cleaning I ever had!”
Gordon T.
“Routinely SUPERB level of care, including Dr. Zusin having made himself available for emergent care when needed. The office is always spotlessly clean and there is no waiting at appointment time. Pain-free dentistry!”
Anil N.
“I have never experienced pain with Dr. Zusin. For a practice in busy Manhattan, their office has a small town feel, very relaxed and personable. Lena is always quick to respond to appointment requests or changes.”
Molly P.
“Dr. Zusin is the best dentist! I have been visiting his office for the majority of my life. He has expertly performed teeth whitening and Invisalign, and continued to save my teeth after I chipped my two front teeth.”
Sasha S.
“The West End office is state of the art and very relaxing. Dr. Zusin and Lena are a great team. No matter the dental problem you will get the best results. I highly recommend them.”
Domingo Q.