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Oral Cancer Screening · Manhattan

Early detection is the most powerful tool against oral cancer.

A comprehensive oral cancer screening at Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry & Smile Design takes only minutes and is included as part of every routine examination. Dr. Lazare and Dr. Fay conduct a thorough visual and tactile assessment of the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues — identifying any abnormalities at the earliest and most treatable stage.

Included at every checkup

Thorough visual and tactile assessment by Dr. Lazare — takes minutes, saves lives.

M.A.G.D. Certified

Mastership — Academy of General Dentistry. Fewer than 2% of US dentists.

Manhattan, NYC

115 E 61st St, Suite 14A · Mon–Fri + select Saturdays

Serving New York Midtown East, Upper East Side & Surrounding Areas

Every hour, someone in the United States dies from oral cancer. Recently, the American Cancer Society published statistics that show deaths from other types of cancer are on a steady decline, while fatal cases of oral cancer have recently been increasing. This may be due to a lack of awareness of the causes, signs, and symptoms of oral cancer, combined with infrequent screenings. Oral cancer is a curable disease when discovered in its early stages, and Dr. Lazare’s dental practice offers patients ViziLite Plus® as part of a yearly oral cancer screening examination.


Serving New York Midtown East, Upper East Side & Surrounding Areas

Every hour, someone in the United States dies from oral cancer. Recently, the American Cancer Society published statistics that show deaths from other types of cancer are on a steady decline, while fatal cases of oral cancer have recently been increasing. This may be due to a lack of awareness of the causes, signs, and symptoms of oral cancer, combined with infrequent screenings. Oral cancer is a curable disease when discovered in its early stages, and Dr. Lazare’s dental practice offers patients ViziLite Plus® as part of a yearly oral cancer screening examination.


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Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer

About 25% of those diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors that lead to its development, while 75% of oral cancers are attributed to tobacco use and drinking alcohol.

Types of tobacco that put people at risk include:

  • Cigarettes

  • Cigars

  • Pipes

  • Chews

  • Snuff

Some types of oral cancer, especially lip cancer, might be linked to unprotected sun exposure.

HPV Oral Cancer

Oral HPV or human papillomavirus can cause the development of cancerous lesions on the tongue, tonsils, or back of the throat (oropharynx). An oral cancer dentist or doctor may be able to make the diagnosis, depending on which area of the mouth is affected.


Oral cancer rates have historically been higher in men, African Americans, and older individuals. While cancer can be caused by several genetic factors beyond a person’s control, behavior, specifically smoking, is the underlying cause for most cases. About 90% of those with oral cancer developed the disease due to tobacco use.

Patient's Testimonials

How to Prevent Oral Cancer

Preventative measures can be taken to lower your risk for oral cancer. Such measures include reducing or stopping the use of tobacco and the consumption of alcohol, using an SPF lip balm, improving one’s diet and lifestyle, and undergoing annual oral cancer testing.

Oral Cancer Screening

A thorough examination is performed to ensure no abnormalities are missed during oral cancer screening.


Early detection of mouth cancer is possible through annual oral cancer testing.

Using a special technique that includes the palpation of tissue, along with a bright light for visual examination, Dr. Lazare will evaluate the lips, face, head, and neck, including the sides of the neck and face for symmetry and abnormalities. He will check all soft tissues inside the mouth, including the inside of the lips, gums, cheeks, base of the tongue, below the tongue, and throat for any irregularities, abnormal bumps or lumps, and signs of mouth cancer. During palpation, the jaw is also checked for lumps or abnormalities.


In addition to the visual and physical inspection, Dr. Lazare might also use fluorescent light, dyes, oral rinses, or the ViziLite Plus® test, for one of the most comprehensive oral cancer screenings available in New York City. Findings that may indicate the presence of mouth cancers include lesions or tissue discoloration.

The ViziLite Plus® Screening Test

In addition to the assessment of the oral cavity, Dr. Lazare has adopted the use of ViziLite Plus® into his Manhattan dental practice for oral cancer testing. First, patients will swish a solution in their mouth to coat the areas to be further inspected.


Next, the lights in the exam room will be dimmed so Dr. Lazare can use a special light to view the tissues of the mouth. Abnormal cells will appear to glow under the light and, if suspicious areas are found, biopsies may be performed to confirm or rule out cancer. The results from these biopsies help confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment planning. Recovery from a biopsy procedure typically takes a few days.


ViziLite Plus® provides an enhanced method for how to diagnose throat cancer early.

Oral Cancer Screening NYC: Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Common Tongue Cancer Symptoms?

Patients may notice one or more sores on the tongue that persist over a period of weeks. Other visible signs are patches of red or white tissue on the tongue that do not go away over time. Tongue cancer can also cause pain or conversely, numbness of the tongue or other parts of the mouth.

How Is Gum Cancer Diagnosed?

The patient or dentist may notice a sore, lumps, or thickened areas of the gums in oral cancer that is present in the gums. Discoloration of the area can include red and white patches, and the lesion or area may bleed.Gum cancer can be identified by oral cancer testing performed in NYC at Dr. Lazare’s dental office and can be confirmed through additional medical tests.

What Is the Typical Oral Cancer Survival Rate?

Per the American Cancer Society, when diagnosed early with oral cancer, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 84%, while the 5-year survival rate overall for those with mouth or throat cancer is 65%. Those who developed cancer as a result of HPV have higher survival rates.Cancer patients with disease that has spread to surrounding tissue have a 5-year survival of 65%, while those with distant spread have a 5-year survival rate of 39%.

Where Can Oral Cancer Occur?

Oral or mouth cancer can affect the following parts of the mouth:• Outer and inner lips• Hard and soft palate (roof of the mouth)• Cheeks• Gums• Tongue• The floor of the mouthOropharynx Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.

What Types of Cancers Are Found in the Mouth and Oropharynx?

The majority of oral cancers – over 90% – are squamous cell carcinomas that begin in the lining of the mouth and throat. The cancerous cells begin in the epithelium, or uppermost layer of tissue and grow deeper over time. Cancerous tissue can be discovered at an earlier stage.Fewer than 5% of oral cancer cases are caused by verrucous carcinoma. This type of cancer grows slowly and deeper into local tissue, but rarely spreads to different areas of the body. When left untreated, squamous cell cancer can grow inside verrucous carcinomas which can spread in the body. Lesions of verrucous carcinoma require more significant removal with large borders to help prevent this from occurring.Oral cancers can also include different types of minor salivary gland carcinomas, lymphomas that occur in lymphoid tissue, and cancer of the nasopharynx and the larynx.

How Does Dr. Lazare Conduct an Oral Cancer Testing?

Each year, Dr. Lazare will conduct an oral cancer screening test of a patient’s head, neck and oral cavity – the face, lips (outer and inner), cheeks, gums, tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the floor of the mouth.He uses methods that include visual inspection, using a special dye and light to detect irregular cell growth, palpating or physically assessing these areas, and will ask pertinent questions. Dr. Lazare also takes the time to educate his patients and can inform them of what to look for while brushing and flossing.

Patient Reviews

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5.0

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5.0

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Great service! Most detailed consultation I’ve ever had.

Michael Twiton

Jun 4, 2026

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5.0

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Marc is an amazing dentist. He saved my tooth as well as saving me a lot of money and discomfort. What he did was pretty fancy and you can’t help but appreciate his skill.

Stewart Waltzer

Jun 4, 2026

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5.0

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I have received a few services from Dr.Lazare’s office. As soon as I entered their office, I was greeted by their very sweet office administrator, Samantha- who took my information and offered me water. Dr. Lazare was very kind and funny. He’s worked on my teeth and has honestly been the best dentist that I’ve received treatment from. He takes his time and explains everything throughly. I also had a great experience with their hygienist, Therese. While performing my oral cleaning I felt no pain and it was the best oral cleaning I’ve ever had performed. The checking out process with Samantha was quick and easy. Overall Dr.Lazare’s office is very clean, friendly and dedicated to their work for their patients.

Kassandra Marin

Jun 4, 2026

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OUR SERVICES

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At Lazare Biomimetic Dentistry and Smile Design, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to support your long-term oral health and smile goals.

From advanced cosmetic enhancements to preventive care and biomimetic restorative techniques, each treatment is delivered with precision and a deep respect for preserving what's healthy and natural.

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Take the first step toward a confident, natural-looking smile with personalized, minimally invasive care. Schedule your consultation today and discover how subtle changes can make a meaningful difference.

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