Oral Cancer Screening

Dedicated to your wellness

Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
A lump, thickening, or rough spot
Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Simple, quick screenings

Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole, and not just your teeth, to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. If we find an area of concern, we may perform a simple test, such as a brush test, which collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If this test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.

Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation.
Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.
During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

Experience exceptional dental care for the whole family.

Dr. Chand and her staff are wonderful!! I usually am not a big fan of the dentist, but my experience at McLean Family Dentistry was relaxing and very enjoyable. Dr. Chand was very professional and very helpful in making me feel less nervous during the cleaning and procedure that I received. I would recommend her hands down to anyone looking for a great dentist!

Corey H.

McLean Family Dentistry uses the most modern equipment, training and techniques to provide the best dental experience I have had in my life – and I have been to a lot of dentists. Dr. Chand and Elizabeth are so friendly and gentle, the whole family will LOVE their experience – especially the KIDS! I have to drive from Takoma Park, MD to see Dr. Chand but it is worth it.

Chris H.

This is a great dental practice for both children and adults. Dr. Chand and staff are friendly, professional, and very good at what they do. The facilities are clean and modern. My 3 year old LOVES going to the dentist now, as do we!

Kristin G.

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McLean Family Dentistry offers dental care & Invisalign® to patients in McLean, Vienna, & Great Falls, Virginia. Free Consultation!