Mihaela G. Stoian DMD

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Protect Your Health with Oral Cancer Screening

At Mission Viejo Family Dentistry, your health goes beyond just your teeth. Our oral cancer screenings are an essential part of preventive dental care, designed to detect early signs of oral cancer and other abnormalities before they become serious.

Early detection can be life-saving. That’s why we include thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our commitment to protecting your overall well-being and long-term health.

Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and floor of the mouth—and in many cases, it develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular screenings allow our dental team to identify potential concerns early, when treatment is most effective.
Oral cancer screenings help:
  • Detect abnormalities early
  • Increase treatment success rates
  • Identify tissue changes that may go unnoticed
  • Provide peace of mind about your oral health
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Our Oral Cancer Screening Services

Comprehensive Visual Examination

We carefully examine all areas of the mouth, throat, and lips to identify abnormal tissue or early warning signs.

Soft Tissue Evaluation

Our dentist checks the tongue, cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth for changes in color, texture, or consistency.

Neck and Jaw Assessment

We assess lymph nodes, jaw, and surrounding tissues to detect swelling or irregularities that may indicate concern.

Early Detection & Guidance

If an abnormality is found, we provide clear guidance, monitoring, or referrals to ensure timely care.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening is a simple and non-invasive examination performed during your dental visit. Our dentist will carefully evaluate your mouth, jaw, and neck for any unusual changes or signs that may require further attention.

  • Examination of the lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks
  • Evaluation of the throat, jaw, and neck
  • Identification of abnormal tissue, sores, or discoloration
  • Discussion of any findings and next steps, if needed
If anything unusual is detected, we will guide you through further evaluation or referral as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive examination where the dentist checks your mouth, throat, jaw, and neck for signs of abnormal tissue or early indicators of oral cancer.
No. Oral cancer screenings are completely painless and take only a few minutes. The exam involves a visual inspection and gentle palpation of the oral tissues.
Most patients should receive an oral cancer screening at least once a year, often during routine dental exams. Patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Risk factors include tobacco use, vaping, alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and being over the age of 40. However, oral cancer can affect anyone, making regular screenings important for all patients.
If an abnormality is detected, we will discuss the findings with you and recommend monitoring, further testing, or a referral to a specialist to ensure timely and appropriate care.

Schedule Your Visit Today

Join our dental family and enjoy quality care in a relaxed environment. Book your appointment online or call us directly at (949) 582-2325.
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