Oral Cancer Screenings in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Did you know that oral cancer screenings in South Lake Tahoe, CA are part of a routine dental examination? At the Tahoe Dentist, our entire staff is committed to your overall well-being as well as your oral health. Oral cancer screenings allow our professional team to use their expertise in identifying any potential abnormalities or irregularities that may be signs of oral cancer. If anything is identified, patients can undergo further testing to determine if oral cancer is present and then procure immediate treatment.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to any cancerous growth within the oral cavity, and it is considered part of head and neck cancer. Any cancer that is present in the mouth tissue, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof, and floor of the mouth, as well as the throat, is considered oral cancer. Like all cancers, early detection of oral cancer can be life saving for patients in terms of immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Oral cancer screenings allow for a professional assessment of a patient’s oral cavity—inside and out. Our dentist near you will closely and carefully examine your tissue for any signs of irregularities or abnormalities that may indicate oral cancer. If any signs are detected, the area can be biopsied and appropriately tested.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

There are some factors and behaviors that increase a patient’s risk of developing oral cancer. Some of these risk factors include heavy, regular consumption of alcohol, prolonged and direct exposure to the sun (especially in terms of the face), and tobacco use (including smoking, chewing, etc.) If you participate in any of these behaviors, be sure to communicate your circumstances immediately.

The thought of oral cancer can be scary. However, participating in oral cancer screenings near you with regular examinations performed by our dentist in South Lake Tahoe, CA enhances your opportunity for early detection. Early detection is significant in terms of getting the right treatment as soon as possible and leading to positive outcomes for patients. For more information about oral cancer screenings and/or routine dental examinations, contact our professional staff at the Tahoe Dentist!