Oral Cancer Screening in Sunnyvale, CA

Early Detection. Lifesaving Prevention.

Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, making regular screenings a critical part of preventive dental care. At Harmony Smile Dental in Sunnyvale, we incorporate oral cancer screening into routine dental exams to detect abnormalities before they become serious health risks.

Led by Dr. Ryan Zhao, our practice is committed to safeguarding both your oral and overall health. By using advanced diagnostic tools and performing thorough head, neck, and soft tissue evaluations, we help patients take a proactive approach to wellness.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters

Each year, tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancers—many of which are found too late. Catching these conditions early dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Our screening process is designed to identify:

• Suspicious lesions or patches inside the mouth
• Abnormal tissue textures or colors
• Lumps or swelling in the jaw, neck, or throat
• Persistent sores that don’t heal
• Unusual bleeding or numbness

Because these symptoms can often be overlooked, especially in their initial stages, a professional evaluation is essential.

Who Should Be Screened?

We recommend oral cancer screening for all adults during their regular dental cleanings and exams. However, individuals with the following risk factors may benefit from more frequent monitoring:

• Tobacco or alcohol use
• A history of HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Prolonged sun exposure (risk for lip cancer)
• Family history of oral cancers
• Age 40 and above

During your appointment, Dr. Zhao will assess your risk level and discuss personalized recommendations for continued monitoring.

What to Expect During Your Screening

Your screening is quick, painless, and typically completed in under five minutes. Using a combination of visual inspection and gentle palpation, we’ll examine areas such as:

• The tongue, lips, cheeks, and floor of the mouth
• The roof of the mouth and back of the throat
• Neck, jawline, and lymph nodes

We may also use specialized lighting or oral screening technology to detect irregularities not visible to the naked eye. If any suspicious areas are found, we will refer you for further evaluation or a biopsy with a specialist.

A Preventive Approach to Long-Term Health

Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early, which is why it’s included as part of our comprehensive general dentistry services. At Harmony Smile Dental, we take every step to ensure your care is thorough and preventive in nature, helping you stay ahead of health risks with confidence.

Proudly Serving Sunnyvale and the Surrounding Area

Harmony Smile Dental is proud to offer oral cancer screening as part of our ongoing commitment to whole-patient care. We welcome patients from Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Cupertino, and San Jose—and we’re always ready to help you take the next step toward better oral health.