Oral Cancer Screenings In Gilroy, CA

Oral cancer is the 13th most commonly diagnosed cancer, according to the Dental Association. It can develop in any part of the mouth, internal or external – lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. This is why routine checkups are so important. Routine checkups allow our dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth for early signs of development. While oral cancer is always a concern, you should know that it is rare. Unless you are actively using tobacco products, or have a gene pool that has a history of developing it, there is a very little chance you will experience anything close to oral cancer in your lifetime. However, it is never a bad idea to get your concerns checked at your next dental visit to our office. An oral cancer screening is a routine examination that is done at each dental visit. We educate our patients about the importance of following up with their medical doctor for any visual lesions, lumps, or bumps that may be observed during the screening.


The first step in screening for oral cancer is the completion of your dental and medical history, which includes a review of:


  • General health history, including a list of current medications and allergies.
  • Oral and lifestyle habits, with reference to quantity, frequency, and duration of tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
  • Symptoms of oral pain or discomfort.


If anything is concerning, we may perform an extraoral and intraoral examination, where we:


  • Inspect your head and neck for asymmetry, tenderness, or swelling.
  • Palpate the submandibular, neck, and supraclavicular regions for lymph nodes, paying close attention to size, number, tenderness, and mobility.
  • Inspect and palpate the lips and perioral tissues for abnormalities.
  • Systematically inspect and palpate all oral soft tissues, paying close attention to the high-risk sites for the development of oral cancer including the lateral and ventral aspects of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and the soft palate complex.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

It is important to note that while these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious oral health issues, they should still be checked by our office at your next routine visit. Common symptoms include, red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity, a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal, a lump, thickening, or rough spot, pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in your mouth or on your lips, or difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue. There are many other symptoms to lookout for, so it is always best to call us for an appointment if you experience or see anything alarming.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Oral cancer screenings involve an examination of the oral cavity as a whole – not just your teeth. This helps detect cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.



If the early stages of oral cancer are detected, it is typically treated with surgery or radiation. Advanced cases will combine surgery and radiation as the most common treatment. In the late stages, radiation and chemotherapy are the usual combination, with or without surgery.

Prevention

With all cancers, the best way to prevent oral cancer starts with you – avoid all tobacco products, only drink alcohol in moderation, maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and limit your exposure to the sun (this is significantly more important than sunblock, because sunblock can only be as effective as your ability to properly apply it, while limited exposure always works best).


There is also a link between certain types of the HPV virus and throat cancer. Avoiding risky behavior and receiving the HPV vaccine can be considered to help prevent this cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an oral cancer screening, and why is it important?

    An oral cancer screening is a preventive examination that helps identify unusual changes in the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues that could indicate oral cancer or precancerous conditions. Early detection is important because oral cancer may develop without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages. At Luma Ajlouni DDS in Gilroy, CA, we examine your oral tissues for potential warning signs and recommend further evaluation when necessary.

  • What are the early warning signs of oral cancer?

    Early warning signs of oral cancer may include persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, unexplained lumps, difficulty swallowing, ongoing hoarseness, or numbness in the mouth or lips. Some patients may also experience unexplained bleeding or changes in how their teeth fit together. These symptoms do not always indicate cancer, but any unusual changes lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional to determine whether further testing is necessary.

  • How often should I have an oral cancer screening?

    Oral cancer screenings are commonly incorporated into routine dental examinations, although the recommended frequency depends on your age, medical history, lifestyle habits, and individual risk factors. Patients who use tobacco, consume alcohol heavily, or have a history of oral cancer may benefit from closer monitoring. At Luma Ajlouni DDS, we can evaluate your risk factors and recommend an appropriate screening schedule as part of your ongoing preventive dental care.

  • Is an oral cancer screening painful, and what happens during the examination?

    An oral cancer screening is generally quick, non-invasive, and painless. During the examination, your dentist visually inspects the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, palate, and other accessible oral tissues for unusual changes. The dentist may also gently feel areas around your mouth, jaw, and neck to check for lumps or abnormalities. If a suspicious area is identified, additional testing or a referral for a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether further treatment is necessary.

  • Can someone develop oral cancer without smoking or drinking alcohol?

    Yes, oral cancer can develop in people who have never smoked or consumed alcohol. Although tobacco and heavy alcohol use are major risk factors, certain cancers of the oropharynx, including areas around the tonsils and base of the tongue, are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Other factors, such as age, sun exposure affecting the lips, and previous cancer history, may also influence risk. Regular dental examinations and attention to persistent oral changes remain important regardless of lifestyle habits.

Protect Your Health With Early Detection

Regular oral cancer screenings help identify unusual changes in your mouth before they become more serious. At Luma Ajlouni DDS, we provide thorough oral examinations to monitor your oral health and help detect potential concerns early.

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