Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of your routine dental exam and are designed to detect early signs of abnormal tissue changes in the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding structures. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, which is why Dr. Sarko recommends screenings at least once a year—and often at every hygiene visit.

What to Expect During Your Screening

During your screening, Dr. Sarko will carefully examine the soft tissues of your mouth, checking for unusual lesions, discoloration, or persistent sores. He may also gently examine the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for any abnormalities. These changes are often painless in the early stages, making regular professional evaluations especially important.

Understanding Risk Factors

Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, HPV infection, and a history of prior oral lesions. However, oral cancer can also occur in patients without any known risk factors, which is why routine screenings are essential for everyone.

Comprehensive Preventive Care

At our office, oral cancer screenings are performed as part of your comprehensive dental exam to ensure any concerns are identified as early as possible. If anything suspicious is found, we will guide you through the appropriate next steps, which may include monitoring, further testing, or referral to a specialist.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection saves lives, and your routine dental visit plays an important role in that process.