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(310) 549-5580
240 W. Carson St., Carson, CA 90745

Oral Cancer Screenings in Carson, CA

Take Care of Your Smile: Help Prevent Oral Cancer!

Did you know that oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide? According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year alone. The good news is that when detected early, oral cancer is highly treatable.

At Carson Dental Care, located in Carson, CA, we offer comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of our commitment to promoting good oral health. Led by our experienced and skilled Carson preventive dentist, Dr. Maria Cecilia Aluning, our team is dedicated to helping our patients detect oral cancer so they can be treated as early as possible.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer (Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer) refers to any cancer that develops in the mouth or throat. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which typically develops on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the lips, or the gums. Other types of oral cancer include lymphoma and melanoma.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screening is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. When oral cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of up to 90 percent. However, when oral cancer is not detected until later stages, the survival rate drops to around 50 percent.

Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screenings?

Everyone should undergo regular oral cancer screening, regardless of age or risk factors. While certain factors, such as tobacco use or heavy alcohol consumption, can increase your risk of developing oral cancer, anyone can develop the disease. At Carson Dental Care, we recommend that our patients undergo oral cancer screening at least once a year as part of their routine dental checkups. Depending on the specifics of your case including diet, any family history of oral cancer, and whether or not you smoke or drink, Dr. Aluning may recommend you visit our Carson dental office for screenings more often. 

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a quick and painless procedure that can be performed during a routine dental checkup. During the screening, Dr. Aluning will examine your mouth, throat, and neck for any signs of cancer or other abnormalities. If your dentist identifies any suspicious areas, they may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy or imaging tests, to confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis.

Common methods used for oral cancer screenings include:

  1. Visual Examination: Dr. Aluning will visually inspect your mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormal growths, discoloration, or other signs of oral cancer.
  2. Physical Examination: During the physical exam, your dentist may use their hands to feel for any lumps or abnormalities in your mouth, neck, or throat.
  3. Oral Dye: Dr. Aluning may use a special oral dye to highlight any abnormal cells in your mouth that could be indicative of oral cancer.
  4. Fluorescence Technology: Some dentists use special equipment that emits blue light to detect changes in the tissues of the mouth that may be indicative of oral cancer.
  5. Brush Biopsy: If your dentist identifies any suspicious-looking areas during the screening, they may use a brush to gently scrape cells from the area for further testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call Carson Cental Care For Comprehensive Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screening is a critical part of maintaining good oral health and detecting oral cancer early. At Carson Dental Care, Dr. Aluning alongside our experienced and dedicated team led are committed to providing our patients with comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of our commitment to promoting good oral health. 

To protect your health and well-being, schedule your oral cancer screening at our dental office by dialing (310) 549-5580. You can also fill out the contact form below and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. We serve new and returning patients from Carson and surrounding areas such as Torrance, Long Beach, and Signal Hill, CA. 

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