Oral cancer often causes no symptoms until it has already spread, which is why a routine screening matters. During a screening we look for changes in the mouth that you would not notice on your own. Finding something early gives treatment the best chance of working.
We include oral cancer screening as part of regular care at Singh Smile Care in Glendale. It is quick, painless, and there is nothing you need to do beforehand. Here is why it matters, who is at higher risk, and what to expect.
Why Screen Regularly
Screenings fit easily into a routine checkup. Because symptoms tend to show up late, a regular check is the best way to spot early changes. Experts differ on exactly how often to screen, with at least once a year as a common recommendation. We will suggest a schedule based on your health and risk factors.
Who Is at Higher Risk
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some factors raise the risk. Tell us about your history so we can tailor your care.
- A previous oral cancer
- Certain types of HPV
- Heavy alcohol use
- Tobacco in any form
- A lot of sun exposure, especially on the lips
What Happens During a Screening
There is no special preparation. We examine the back of the throat, the gums, the inside of the cheeks, the inside and outside of the lips, the roof of the mouth, and the tongue. If you wear dentures, we will ask you to remove them so we can check the tissue underneath and under the jaw. The whole thing takes under five minutes.
What the Screening Can and Cannot Do
A visual exam can miss abnormal cells, and finding an unusual area does not mean it is cancer. If something looks off, we may use a special dye rinse or a light that highlights abnormal tissue, and we may recommend a biopsy or a follow-up visit. Screening has not been proven to reduce deaths from oral cancer, but it can find changes when treatment is most likely to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. It is a visual and hands-on exam of your mouth and neck. Most patients feel little or nothing at all.
What are the warning signs of oral cancer?
Sores that bleed or do not heal, red or white patches, lumps or swelling in the mouth, neck, or floor of the mouth, trouble swallowing or opening the jaw, changes in how dentures fit, and unexplained tooth or gum pain. If you notice any of these, call us.
Which parts of the mouth can be affected?
Any part. Oral cavity cancers involve the lips, gums, the front of the tongue, the floor and roof of the mouth, and the inside of the lips and cheeks. Oropharyngeal cancers involve the tonsils, the base of the tongue, and the middle of the throat.
How can I lower my risk?
There is no way to prevent it completely, but you can lower the odds. Limit alcohol, avoid tobacco, use sunscreen on your lips, and keep up with regular checkups so changes are caught early.
What are the stages of oral cancer?
Stages run from 1 to 4 based on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Screening can catch changes even before stage 1, and the earliest stages have the best survival rates.
When Was Your Last Screening?
Call (623) 400-6009 or book online, and we will include a screening at your next checkup.
