Oral Cancer Screening in Redmond, WA
Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Part of Your Visit
Our Redmond dental office is not only dedicated to your smile, but we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While other, less serious problems may cause these symptoms, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.
The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
How Oral Cancer Screening Works?
Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves examining your oral cavity as a whole, not just your teeth, to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions.
- Step 1: Visual Exam We begin by examining your mouth, looking for any unusual signs, such as red or white patches, lesions, or swelling.
- Step 2: Physical Exam We gently feel the tissues inside your mouth, cheeks, jaw, and neck to detect any lumps or changes in texture.
- Step 3: Brush Test (If Needed) If something looks concerning, we may use a soft brush to collect cells for lab testing—quick and painless.
- Step 4: Follow-Up Care If your test results suggest something irregular, we’ll guide you through the following steps, which may include a biopsy or referral.
Everyday Habits That Help Prevent Oral Cancer
Aside from oral cancer screenings, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer.
Early detection saves lives—and it starts with a conversation at your next visit.