A Sacramento dentist is urging the public to perform at-home oral exams after discovering oral cancer in her own husband.
In June 2025, Dr. Brian Joves, 42, an interventional physiatrist, noticed an unusual pain on his tongue. “It felt like I’d been biting it repeatedly,” he said. His wife, Dr. Ashley Joves, 43, a general and cosmetic dentist, initially attributed it to his fast eating habits and asked him to monitor it.
By late July, the discomfort persisted. While preparing for work, Brian asked Ashley to check his tongue. She discovered a 2.5-centimeter white patch, known as leukoplakia, on the side of his tongue.
“It was classic textbook appearance,” Ashley recalled. Leukoplakia can indicate irritation but is also a key warning sign of oral cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Other symptoms include red patches, mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and ear pain.
Despite being a healthy non-smoker, Brian underwent a second biopsy and a CT scan after the first biopsy showed no signs of cancer. Results confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
He immediately had surgery to remove nearly five centimeters of his tongue and 34 lymph nodes, all of which were clear of cancer. Brian avoided chemotherapy and radiation but will require monitoring for the next two years.
Ashley described the ordeal as emotionally taxing. “Never in my life had I felt so guilty and terrified,” she said. Brian, however, remained remarkably resilient.
Post-surgery, he faces partial numbness, some fluid buildup, and mild speech difficulties but has returned to work, maintains a healthy diet, and continues daily exercise.
To raise awareness, Ashley shared her husband’s experience on TikTok. Her video demonstrates a simple at-home exam, which takes just 30 seconds but can detect early signs of oral cancer. The video has gone viral, reaching over 756,500 views.
“Early detection is crucial,” Ashley said. “A free teeth exam at home can save your life. If you notice anything unusual, see a dentist and advocate for yourself—even if an initial diagnosis is benign.”
Oral cancer is the most common head and neck cancer, affecting roughly 11 in 100,000 people annually. While risk is higher among men, smokers, and heavy drinkers, 25% of cases occur in people without known risk factors.
