Oral Cancer Screening in Beverly Hills and Northridge

Oral cancer is among the most treatable cancers when caught early — but survival rates drop significantly when it is detected at a later stage. Regular oral cancer screenings performed by a dental professional are one of the most effective ways to detect abnormalities before they develop into serious problems. At Beverly Wilshire Dental Group in Beverly Hills and Northridge, CA, Dr. Mehryar Ebrahimi performs a visual and tactile oral cancer screening at every routine examination appointment.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a brief but thorough examination of the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and neck. Dr. Ebrahimi visually inspects and manually palpates these areas to identify any unusual changes, lumps, lesions, discoloration, or other abnormalities that could indicate early-stage oral cancer or precancerous changes.

The screening covers:

• Lips and the corners of the mouth
• Inner cheeks and the lining of the mouth
• Gums and the roof of the mouth
• Tongue — top, sides, and underside
• Floor of the mouth
• Throat and tonsil area
• Jaw and neck — checked externally for unusual lumps or swelling

The entire process takes only a few minutes and is completely painless. It is included as part of every routine dental examination at Beverly Wilshire Dental Group.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters

Oral cancer — which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat — can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. In its early stages, oral cancer may present as a small white or red patch, a sore that does not heal, or a subtle change in tissue texture that is easily overlooked without a trained eye.

When oral cancer is detected at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher than when it is found after it has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Regular dental visits are often the first line of defense precisely because early oral cancer frequently causes no pain and no obvious symptoms.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase risk:

• Tobacco use of any kind — cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, or snuff
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16
• Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
• A previous oral cancer diagnosis
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Age — oral cancer is more common in adults over 40, though HPV-related cases are rising in younger adults

Patients with one or more of these risk factors benefit especially from regular screenings. However, a significant number of oral cancers occur in people with no identified risk factors, which is why routine screening for all patients is important.

Warning Signs to Watch For Between Visits

Contact Beverly Wilshire Dental Group promptly if you notice any of the following between your regular appointments:

• A sore in the mouth or on the lip that does not heal within two weeks
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth
• A lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth or throat
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Numbness or tenderness in the mouth, face, or neck
• A persistent sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, but they warrant prompt evaluation by a dental or medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening