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Oral Cancer Screening in Vista, CA

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520 W. Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083

Mon – Thurs: 8 am – 5 pm | Fri: 8 am – 12 pm | Sat – Sun: Closed

(760) 941-1906

dantwandds@gmail.com

Early Detection That Could Save Your Life

Oral cancer can develop silently, without obvious symptoms in its early stages. That’s why regular screenings are an essential part of every dental checkup at Civic Dental. Dr. Dunya Antwan provides thorough oral cancer screenings in Vista, CA, using both visual and tactile methods to identify abnormalities before they progress into more serious conditions.

Early detection is critical — when caught early, oral cancer has a much higher rate of successful treatment. Our screening process is quick, painless, and could make all the difference.

Oral cancer can develop silently, without obvious symptoms in its early stages.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of your mouth, lips, throat, and neck to detect signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions. During your screening, Dr. Antwan will:

Check your lips, tongue, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth
Examine your throat and soft tissues for lesions, red or white patches, or swelling
Feel the jaw and neck for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes

These screenings are typically included during routine Dental Exams & Cleanings, so you won’t need to schedule a separate visit unless concerns arise.

Who Should Get Screened?

Everyone can benefit from oral cancer screening, but some individuals are at higher risk and should be screened more regularly. These risk factors include:

Tobacco use (including smoking and chewing tobacco)
Heavy alcohol consumption
Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Family history of oral cancer
Age over 40

Even if you don’t have any risk factors, Dr. Antwan recommends regular screenings for all adults as a preventive measure.

Symptoms to Watch For

Although many signs of oral cancer are painless or invisible early on, you should contact us if you experience:

Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal
Red or white patches in the mouth
Lumps or thickening in the cheek
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Numbness in the mouth or jaw
A chronic sore throat

If you're unsure whether you need a screening, schedule an appointment today. We offer comprehensive exams and can provide guidance based on your personal health history and concerns.

Serving Vista and Neighboring Communities

Dr. Dunya Antwan is dedicated to the health and well-being of patients across Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Fallbrook. Our practice blends advanced diagnostics with a compassionate approach, ensuring every patient receives the care they need in a warm, multilingual environment. We also speak Spanish and Arabic for your convenience.

Explore our other preventive services like Fluoride Treatment and Dental Sealants to build a well-rounded care plan.

FAQs: Oral Cancer Screening

How often should I get an oral cancer screening?

For most adults, once a year during your dental checkup is sufficient. Those with higher risk factors may need screenings more frequently.

Is oral cancer screening painful?

No. The process is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless.

Does insurance cover oral cancer screenings?

Screenings are typically included in preventive dental exams, which are covered by many PPO plans. Visit our Patient Information page or call our office to confirm your coverage.

What happens if something abnormal is found?

Dr. Antwan will discuss the findings with you and may recommend additional imaging or refer you to a specialist for a biopsy or further testing.

Can young adults get oral cancer?

Yes, especially those with risk factors like HPV exposure. We encourage screenings for adults of all ages.