Oral Cancer Screening – Tukwila, WA

Early Detection is Key to Disease Prevention and Treatment

Every dental checkup also includes an oral cancer screening performed by Dr. Timmerman. During this exam, he screens for abnormal and precancerous tissues so that patients can have early treatment. The earlier the treatment, the more effective it is likely to be. Dr. Timmerman thoroughly inspects the oral tissues to find any areas that appear abnormal or unlike the tissues surrounding them.

A Silent and Deadly Disease

Oral cancer typically manifests as:

• White or red lesions, sores, or ulcers that are present on one side of the mouth but not the other
• Sores that do not heal within 2 weeks
• Lumps, bumps, or indentations
• Loss of the defined border of the lip

Should Dr. Timmerman identify any abnormal tissues, he’ll typically recommend a follow-up in 2 weeks to reassess the area for any changes. If abnormal findings are still present, he may conduct a biopsy that is sent to one of our labs for further inspection.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Although oral cancer is closely related to gum disease and can appear for unknown reasons in otherwise healthy individuals, some of the most common links to its development include these risk factors:

• Viruses like HPV
• Poorly fitting prostheses like dentures
• Frequent sun exposure
• Alcohol and tobacco consumption

Have you noticed any irritation or an irregular area on the tissues inside of your mouth? Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Call our Seattle dental office for a comprehensive exam and oral cancer screening to put your mind at ease. Dr. Timmerman provides oral cancer screenings as a part of every new and existing patient exam – because he feels that it’s one of the most important preventive services that we can offer when it comes to the lives of our patients.