Oral Cancer Screenings in Brentwood, CA

At Fairview Dental Brentwood, our commitment to your health extends far beyond beautiful smiles. We view our role as your primary defense against oral cancer—a disease that, while serious, is highly treatable when caught early. Led by Dr. Thuc Luu, our team integrates thorough, professional oral cancer screenings into every comprehensive exam to ensure our Brentwood community receives the most proactive care possible.

With oral cancer cases on the rise nationwide, particularly those linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a five-minute screening at our office could quite literally save your life.

The Critical Importance of Early Detection

The primary challenge with oral cancer is that it often begins as a painless, inconspicuous spot that a patient might mistake for a common canker sore or minor irritation.

• The Survival Gap: When oral cancer is detected in its earliest stages (Stage 1), the five-year survival rate is approximately 84%. However, because many cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread to local lymph nodes, the average survival rate drops significantly.
• A “Silent” Disease: Early-stage lesions are often invisible to the untrained eye and don’t cause discomfort. By the time a patient feels pain or notices a significant lump, the condition may have already progressed.
• Trusted Resource: Review the latest Oral Cavity and Pharyngeal Cancer Stat Facts from the National Cancer Institute to understand the impact of early diagnosis.

Our Comprehensive Screening Process

At Fairview Dental, we perform a dual-method screening that combines a traditional clinical exam with advanced technology to ensure no detail is overlooked.

1. Visual and Tactile Examination

Dr. Luu performs a meticulous “look and feel” exam of the entire oral cavity and neck region. This includes:

• The Soft Tissues: We inspect the roof of the mouth (palate), the floor of the mouth, the insides of the cheeks (buccal mucosa), and the back of the throat.
• The Tongue: We gently extend the tongue to check the sides and the base, areas where oral cancer frequently develops.
• Palpation: Using gloved hands, we feel the jaw, neck, and under the chin for any unusual lumps, thickening, or asymmetry.

2. Advanced Diagnostic Technology

To supplement the visual exam, we utilize specialized light-based screening tools (such as fluorescence visualization). These tools allow us to see changes at the cellular level before they are visible under normal white light.

• How it works: Healthy tissue glows a specific color under this light, while abnormal, potentially precancerous tissue appears dark due to a loss of fluorescence.
• Trusted Resource: Learn about the science of Fluorescence Visualization from the Oral Cancer Foundation.

Identifying the Warning Signs

Between your professional visits to our Brentwood office, it is essential to monitor your own oral health. If you notice any of the following symptoms persisting for more than two weeks, contact us immediately for a focused evaluation:

• Color Changes: Red or white patches (leukoplakia or erythroplakia) on the gums, tongue, or mouth lining.
• Non-Healing Sores: Any sore or ulcer that bleeds easily and does not heal within 14 days.
• Texture Changes: A lump, crust, or thickened “rough spot” in the mouth or on the lip.
• Functional Issues: Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Persistent Pain: A chronic sore throat or the feeling that something is “caught” in the back of the throat.

Note: These symptoms can also be caused by many non-cancerous conditions. A screening is the only way to rule out serious issues and gain peace of mind.

Who is at High Risk?

While anyone can develop oral cancer—including young, healthy non-smokers—certain factors significantly increase your risk profile:

1. Tobacco Use: This remains the leading cause of oral cancer. Whether it is cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless (chewing) tobacco, the risk is substantial.
2. Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinkers are at a higher risk, and those who combine tobacco and alcohol are 15 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users.
3. HPV Infection: There has been a sharp increase in oropharyngeal cancers among younger, non-smoking populations linked to the HPV-16 virus.
4. Age and Gender: Most cases occur in patients over age 45, and men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed.
5. Sun Exposure: Frequent, unprotected exposure to the sun is a primary risk factor for cancer of the lips.

For a comprehensive breakdown of risk factors, visit the American Dental Association (ADA) Oral Cancer Resource.

Why Choose Fairview Dental for Your Screening?

Dr. Thuc Luu and our team are uniquely trained to identify “Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders” (OPMDs). Choosing Fairview Dental for your routine preventive care means:

• Consistency: Because we see you every six months, we can track subtle changes in your oral tissues over time.
• Compassion: We understand that the word “cancer” is frightening. Our screenings are handled with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism.
• Seamless Referrals: In the rare event that we find an abnormality, we have an established network of top-tier specialists in the Contra Costa County area for immediate biopsy and further care.

Take the Five-Minute Step That Could Save Your Life

Oral cancer screening is a painless, non-invasive, and life-saving part of your dental check-up at Fairview Dental Brentwood. We are proud to serve the families of Brentwood, CA, with the highest level of preventive care technology.

Contact Fairview Dental Brentwood today at (925) 240-7253 to schedule your oral cancer screening.