Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening may be necessary if you use tobacco or regularly drink alcohol. At The Dentists at North Cypress in Houston, Texas, Ginger Rome, DDS, Laura Santo Salvo, DDS, and the team use oral cancer screenings to detect cancer early when it’s most responsive to treatment and preserve your beautiful smile. Call the dental clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more. 

What is oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer screening is a quick, outpatient procedure that checks your mouth, tongue, and lips for precancerous or cancerous growths.

Each year, thousands of Americans receive an oral cancer diagnosis. Though oral cancer affects people of all ages, it’s especially common in men 40 and older.

Who should consider oral cancer screening?

Request oral cancer screening at The Dentists at North Cypress if you have any of the following symptoms:

• A sore on your lip or tongue that doesn’t heal
• Bleeding from your mouth
• A mass or growth inside your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• A lump in your neck
• An earache that doesn’t improve
• Tongue pain
• Jaw pain or stiffness

You should also request oral cancer screening if you have a sore throat that doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, such as drinking plenty of fluids and resting.

What does oral cancer screening involve?

Your provider at The Dentists at North Cypress reviews your dental records and completes an oral exam. They check the roof and floor of your mouth, the back of your throat, and your tongue, cheeks, and lips for growths, tumors, or suspicious lesions.

If your provider notices anything out of the ordinary, they collect a biopsy sample and send it to a nearby lab for testing. The lab examines your sample under a microscope, looking for precancerous or cancerous cells.

Your provider might also order imaging tests, such as digital X-rays and a CT scan. These procedures capture photos of your mouth and jaw and can determine if cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body, like your chest or neck.

What if the results of my oral cancer screening are positive?

If your oral cancer screening results are positive, The Dentists at North Cypress develop a personalized treatment plan. They might recommend surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type of cancer and your needs.

Is there any way to prevent oral cancer?

There’s no way to prevent oral cancer entirely, but you can reduce your risk by practicing good oral hygiene. The Dentists at North Cypress recommend quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and drinking alcohol in moderation.

Call The Dentists at North Cypress today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about oral cancer screenings. 

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