Oral Cancer Screening Clinic in Fresno, CA

Oral cancer screenings are one of the best ways to detect oral cancer in its earliest stages. Our dental staff will screen for oral cancer as part of your dental hygiene appointment. No matter the age, we continue to educate our clients about any risk factors that may affect them and how to detect any potential problems. Detecting the disease early on is key to many individuals’ survival rates. There are many new cases reported each year of oral cancer, some even estimate that our oral cancer screenings are what detect up to 80% of oral cancer cases.

Oral cancers normally begin in the cells on the surface of the tissue within the mouth. They begin shallow but over time will begin to penetrate deeper into the tissues and potentially the bone. If caught early on, it can be easily treated. Oral cancer is usually discovered in the later stages, which increases the risk for a more invasive treatment and serious side effects.

Signs and symptoms that should be noted and seen by a dental professional or other medical professional include:

• White or red patches found anywhere in the mouth
• A mouth sore that begins to bleed easily and will not heal
• Color change of the oral tissues
• Teeth that suddenly start to become loose
• Dentures that stop fitting correctly
• Pain or difficulty when trying to swallow or speak
• Swelling or lumps
• Indentations
• Enlarged and/or hard lymph nodes or glands
• Persistent earaches

Oral cancer may begin in any of the following areas:

• Lips
• Oral cavity, like the tongue, gums, inside the cheeks, under the tongue, or the roof of the mouth
• Back of the mouth, throat, and even tonsils

Everyone should be receiving at least a basic oral health screening at each dentist appointment that is for a check-up or cleaning. This is a great prevention method and will help in the long run if you do end up having oral cancer.

Before your oral cancer screening, our dental hygienists will explain to you the purpose of the screenings and the various steps that may be included in the process. Our client’s knowledge and understanding of obtaining the correct information should be received and accepted as it will help to reduce any stress of the exam, by catching any signs early on and dealing with them.

Risk assessment would be completed first, as we need to know any factors that may place the patients at a higher risk of developing cancer.

Health history is a must, as we are able to review your medical history, which may reveal factors that could easily cause any abnormalities in the mouth. Figuring out what they may be doing wrong, so it can be documented and help offered.
Our dental hygienists have advanced techniques and tools available to them for the various screening tools and products to help them with performing their screening exams.

Oral examination may include the use of their sight, sound, and touch to find abnormalities outside the mouth that could easily indicate early stages of oral cancer. The dental hygienists will conduct an examination visually by viewing the head, face, front and back of the neck, and possibly behind eyeglasses and under the hairline and ears.

Yes, oral cancer is highly treatable if caught early. When detected in its initial stages, treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can be very effective. Early-stage oral cancer has a significantly higher survival rate, as the cancer is localized and can often be removed or treated before it spreads. Regular screenings and prompt attention to any unusual symptoms, such as sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing, or changes in your mouth, are crucial for early detection.

The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis, which allows for less invasive procedures and a greater chance of complete recovery. If you suspect any symptoms or risk factors related to oral cancer, seeking an evaluation by a dental professional can make a significant difference in your outcome. Dr. Prabhdeep K. Gill emphasizes the importance of regular oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental care to ensure early detection and better treatment success. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online today! We are conveniently located at 7215 N First St Suite 107 Fresno CA 93720. We serve patients from Clovis CA, West Park CA, Mayfair CA, Muscatel CA, Burness CA, Lone Star CA, and surrounding areas.