Oral Cancer Screenings in West Hills, CA
Early detection is the single most important factor in successfully treating oral cancer — and at Anita Rathee DDS, we perform oral cancer screenings as a routine part of every dental exam. This quick, painless, and potentially life-saving check allows our team to identify any unusual changes in your mouth before they develop into something more serious. Call us today at (818) 348-8898 to schedule your appointment in West Hills, CA .
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are So Important
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, and the survival rate improves dramatically when the disease is caught in its earliest stages. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often painless in its early development, which means many patients are unaware anything is wrong until the disease has already progressed. This is precisely why routine oral cancer screenings at Anita Rathee DDS are such a critical component of your overall dental care in West Hills, CA .
During your oral cancer screening, our team at Anita Rathee DDS will carefully examine all of the soft tissues inside your mouth — including the lips, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, and the back of the throat — for any signs of abnormal changes. We look for white or red patches, unusual sores or lesions, lumps or thickened areas of tissue, and any areas that bleed easily or have not healed within a normal timeframe. We will also gently palpate the jaw and neck to check for any unusual swelling or enlarged lymph nodes that may indicate a concern. The entire screening takes just a few minutes and is completely non-invasive, requiring no special preparation on your part.
In addition to the visual and physical examination, our team will review any symptoms you may have noticed between visits. Common early warning signs of oral cancer include persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth, unexplained pain, numbness, or tenderness in the mouth or throat, difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue, a persistent feeling that something is caught in the throat, swelling or thickening of the tissues inside the mouth, and unexplained bleeding. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not wait for your next routine appointment — call Anita Rathee DDS at (818) 348-8898 right away so we can evaluate you promptly.
If our team identifies any area of concern during your screening, we will discuss our findings with you and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include a referral to a specialist for further evaluation or a biopsy if needed. Identifying a suspicious area early and taking prompt action is the most effective way to improve outcomes. At Anita Rathee DDS, your health and well-being are our top priority, and we are committed to providing thorough, compassionate care that goes far beyond just your teeth. Oral cancer screenings are included as a standard part of every dental cleaning and exam at our office — another important reason to stay current with your regular visits. Contact us today at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment in West Hills, CA .
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings
What is an oral cancer screening and what does it involve?
An oral cancer screening at Anita Rathee DDS is a quick, non-invasive examination of all the soft tissues in and around your mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. Our team looks for any unusual changes such as white or red patches, sores, lumps, or areas of abnormal tissue. We also gently feel the jaw and neck for swelling or enlarged lymph nodes. The screening takes just a few minutes and is performed as part of every routine dental exam at Anita Rathee DDS in West Hills, CA .
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
At Anita Rathee DDS, an oral cancer screening is included as a standard part of every dental exam, so patients who maintain their recommended schedule of cleanings and exams every six months will automatically receive regular screenings. Patients who use tobacco, consume alcohol regularly, have a history of oral cancer, or have had significant sun exposure are considered higher risk and may benefit from more frequent screenings. Speak with our team at your next visit or call us at (818) 348-8898 to discuss your individual risk factors.
What are the warning signs of oral cancer?
Common warning signs of oral cancer include persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks, unexplained pain or numbness in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue, swelling or lumps inside the mouth, and unexplained bleeding. If you notice any of these symptoms between your regular appointments at Anita Rathee DDS, contact us immediately at (818) 348-8898 rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk. These include tobacco use in any form — cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco — heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged exposure to the sun (which increases the risk of lip cancer), infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a personal or family history of oral cancer, and being over the age of 40. However, oral cancer rates are rising in younger populations as well, making regular screenings at Anita Rathee DDS important for patients of all ages in West Hills, CA .
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No. An oral cancer screening at Anita Rathee DDS is completely painless and non-invasive. Our team uses a visual and physical examination to assess the soft tissues of your mouth and neck — there are no needles, no special instruments, and no discomfort involved. The entire process takes just a few minutes and is seamlessly incorporated into your regular dental exam.
What happens if something suspicious is found during my screening?
If our team at Anita Rathee DDS identifies an area of concern during your oral cancer screening, we will discuss our findings with you calmly and clearly and recommend appropriate next steps. This may include monitoring the area over a short period to see if it resolves on its own, a referral to an oral surgeon or specialist for further evaluation, or a biopsy to definitively determine whether the tissue is normal or abnormal. Finding a suspicious area early and taking prompt action significantly improves treatment outcomes — which is why we take every screening seriously.
How do I schedule an oral cancer screening at Anita Rathee DDS?
Oral cancer screenings are automatically included during every dental cleaning and exam at Anita Rathee DDS. To schedule your next exam and screening, simply call our office at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms and do not want to wait for a routine appointment, call us right away at (818) 348-8898 and our team will arrange to see you as soon as possible in West Hills, CA .
