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Oral Cancer Screening in Sherman Oaks
Oral cancer often develops quietly, with few obvious warning signs at first. That’s why at our Sherman Oaks dental office, we make routine oral cancer screenings an essential part of your preventive care. A quick screening could make all the difference, giving you peace of mind and the best chance at early treatment if any concerns arise.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a thorough examination of your mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. This painless, noninvasive process is designed to detect abnormal growths, color changes, or lumps as early as possible.
Our trained team goes beyond a simple glance—we carefully check areas such as the inner cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, lips, gums, and even the lymph nodes in your neck for any subtle changes that could indicate early cancer.
Because oral cancer can affect anyone—even those who don’t smoke or drink—we recommend including this screening in your annual dental checkup.
When Should You Schedule an Oral Cancer Exam?
While yearly screenings are recommended for most adults, it’s important to schedule a visit sooner if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Sores or ulcers that do not heal after two weeks
- White or red patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- Numbness or tingling in your lips or mouth
- Pain or trouble when swallowing or chewing
- Hoarseness lasting more than a couple of weeks
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is one of the most important preventive steps you can take for your overall health.
Catch Problems Early
Quick and Comfortable
Protects Your Health
Customized Follow-Up
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Your screening at our Sherman Oaks office is simple and reassuring:
Health & History Review
We begin by asking about any health changes, symptoms, or risk factors you may have noticed.
Visual Exam
Our dentist checks your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, throat, and palate for spots, lesions, or color changes.
Physical Palpation
We gently feel along your jaw, under your chin, and in your neck for any unusual lumps or tenderness.
Special Tools (if needed)
In some cases, we may use a fluorescent light or dye to highlight areas that could indicate abnormal cell growth.
Next Steps
If anything concerning is found, we will talk through next steps right away—whether it means watching the area, referring to a specialist, or performing a biopsy.
Most patients leave with peace of mind, knowing their oral health is in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
