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Oral Cancer Screening
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Oral Cancer Screenings, Why They’re Worth It

More people are becoming aware of oral cancer due to the rise in cases in recent years. Through oral cancer screenings, your Northridge, California dentists can detect signs of mouth cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Early treatment could lead to full recovery from this deadly disease. Drs. Terence Lau, Casey Lau, and Kayla Lau offer annual oral cancer screenings at Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, California. 

Causes of Mouth Cancer 

Mouth cancer results from DNA mutation of cells in your mouth and can occur on your lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or the roof or floor of your mouth. As the cells mutate, they continue growing and accumulating in your mouth. Over time, they can form tumors that spread throughout your mouth and other parts of your body. The reason the cells mutate is not known. However, certain factors increase your risk of this disease, such as:

  • Heavy use of alcohol or tobacco products
  • Excessive exposure to the sun (for lip cancer)
  • A weak immune system
  • If you have the sexually-transmitted virus HPV 

Oral Cancer Stages

Oral cancer can be divided into four stages: 

  • In Stage one, the tumor is no larger than 2 cm, without spreading to your lymph nodes.
  • In Stage two, the tumor is approximately 2-4 cm in size, without having spread to your lymph nodes.
  • In Stage three, the tumor has grown over 4 cm in size but has not spread to lymph nodes or is any size and has spread to only one lymph node, but not other parts of your body. 
  • In Stage four, tumors of any size have metastasized to other parts of your body.

In an oral cancer screening, your dentist checks your mouth, throat, and neck for signs of sores, unusual spots, or other abnormalities that could be cancerous. If we uncover irregularities, we can take tissue samples to send to a lab for testing. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner you can get treatment to help save your life!

Oral Cancer Screening in and around Northridge, California

To schedule an annual oral cancer screening, contact our Mid-Valley Dental Care Northridge, CA clinic at (818) 886-3500.

Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP

Dr. Terence

Casey Lau, DDS

Dr. Casey

Kayla Lau, D.D.S.

Dr. Kayla


Dr. Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP, is a distinguished dental professional with a rich history of education and training, spanning over three decades. His unwavering commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of advanced knowledge have solidified his reputation as a leader in the field of dentistry.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Dr. Terence Lau attained his DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree from the Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC where he acquired an insatiable thirst for knowledge which led him to pursue advanced training in Periodontal Prosthodontics at the University of Washington School of Dentistry where he was introduced to dental implantology by it's inventor, Per Ingvar Branemark. Throughout his illustrious career, he has continuously improved his expertise through advanced continuing education, covering surgical and restorative implant dentistry, orthodontics, occlusion and full mouth reconstruction and smile design, TMJ and dento-facial orthopedics, sleep apnea, sedation dentistry, implant-assisted orthodontics, clear aligner therapy, regenerative periodontics and bone augmentation, and laser dentistry with a special focus on minimally invasive CT guided Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, soft and hard tissue regeneration and cutting-edge laser dentistry.

Dr. Terence Lau's commitment to staying at dentistry's forefront is reflected in his memberships and fellowships in prestigious organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Academy of Osseointegration, American College of Oral Implantology,

American Society of Osseointegration, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), American Association for Functional Orthodontics, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, not to mention the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA).

In his unwavering pursuit of advancing dental knowledge, Dr. Terence Lau founded Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions, dedicated to educating and mentoring fellow dentists in the areas of Dental Implantology and Laser Dentistry. He's a nationally recognized lecturer, sharing expertise on topics like Simplified Dental Implant Surgery.

His brother, Dr. Casey Lau, DDS, embarked upon his dental career in 2002 upon joining Dr. Terence Lau and team at Mid-Valley Dental Care. He received his Doctorate of Dental Science degree from the esteemed UCLA School of Dentistry after attaining his Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA.

At Mid-Valley Dental Care, Dr. Casey Lau practices a comprehensive dental philosophy centered around the principles of minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry, with an emphasis on occlusion and orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, regenerative periodontal therapies, and the cutting-edge realm of laser dentistry. His proficiency extends to advanced disciplines such as implantology, orthodontics, clear aligner therapy (notably Invisalign), and the art of oral sedation.

Constantly seeking innovation in dentistry, he holds membership within a constellation of professional affiliations. These include esteemed organizations such as the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), Academy of General Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Academy of Osseointegration, the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) , American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the International Association for Orthodontics.

Beyond the realms of clinical practice, Dr. Casey Lau’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to oral healthcare innovation are epitomized through his joint venture with his wife in establishing Elims Oral Care, which boasts a unique line of eco-conscious oral care products. Among these offerings, his brainchild features a range of Nano-Hydroxyapatite toothpaste and fully dissolvable whitening strips, symbolizing a testament to his enduring dedication to holistic dental well-being.

They were later joined by Dr. Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH. Dr. Kayla Lau is a dedicated dental professional whose journey in dentistry began as a dental hygienist and culminated in her earning a DDS from the prestigious University of Southern California (USC). It was during her training at USC where she discovered that her passion lies in Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, learning from pioneers like Dr. Pascal Magne. With a relentless commitment to excellence, she specializes in a wide range of dental services, including restorative and aesthetic dentistry, and the artful use of neuromodulators (i.e. Botox) and dermal fillers for orofacial pain relief, smile enhancement, and facial aesthetics.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Kayla is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She has been known to enjoy volunteering her time and skills to support underprivileged communities by providing essential dental hygiene care, dental work, and oral cancer screenings. Her altruistic spirit reflects her dedication to improving oral health and overall well-being in underserved populations.

As an active member of several professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry, San Fernando Valley Dental Society, Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, and the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics, as well as the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA) Dr. Kayla remains at the forefront of dental innovation.

Specializing in treatments like aesthetic bonding, veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, Invisalign, orofacial pain relief, and facial balancing, Dr. Kayla Lau's expertise, passion for Biomimetic Dentistry, and dedication to community service make her a compassionate and highly skilled professional committed to enhancing your oral health and transforming your smile.



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