Palo Alto, CA

Oral Cancer Screening

Learn what happens during an oral cancer screening, which changes should be evaluated and why suspicious lesions require biopsy or specialist referral.

If you have questions about any service, please give us a call at (650) 321-9693 and our staff will be happy to help you.

Oral cancer screening is part of a careful examination of the mouth, lips, head and neck. The purpose is to identify tissue changes that may need monitoring, additional evaluation or biopsy. A screening examination does not by itself diagnose cancer.

What does an oral cancer screening involve?

Dr. Sharma reviews relevant medical and social history and performs a visual and tactile examination of the oral tissues. Areas commonly evaluated include the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, gums and visible throat region, along with the neck when appropriate.

What changes deserve attention?

A sore that does not heal, persistent red or white patch, unexplained lump or thickening, unusual bleeding, numbness, persistent throat symptoms or a change in swallowing can warrant evaluation. Many oral lesions are benign, but persistence or progression matters.

What if something suspicious is found?

Current ADA guidance emphasizes conventional visual and tactile examination and timely biopsy or specialist referral for suspicious lesions. A biopsy remains the standard method for establishing a diagnosis.

What about lights, rinses or saliva tests?

Adjunctive technologies are sometimes marketed as oral cancer screening tools. The ADA's 2026 living guideline does not support using light-based or salivary adjuncts as a substitute for clinical judgment and biopsy when a lesion is concerning.

Who is at risk?

Tobacco and heavy alcohol exposure are important risk factors for oral cavity cancer, and HPV is a major risk factor for cancers of the oropharynx. Cancer can still occur in people without these risk factors, which is one reason routine examination of the oral tissues matters.