Oral Cancer Screening in Houston, TX
Each year close to 10,000 people die as a result of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer. While tobacco use is the most common cause, if you live in the Houston area and find any abnormalities in your mouth, throat, or neck, you should be seen by the experts at Perio Health Professionals. Call or reach out to us via e-mail to schedule an appointment to treat any potential problems as soon as possible.
To schedule and discuss any concerns you have, call or reach out to us via e-mail to schedule an appointment with the expert physicians at Perio Health Professionals in Houston.
Oral Cancer Screening Q & A
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy requires the removal of abnormal tissue so it can be sent to a lab for proper evaluation and diagnosis to rule out cancer. There are two different types of biopsies:
Incisional biopsy
An incisional biopsy involves one of the specialists at Perio Health Professionals cutting a small piece of tissue from the abnormal section.
Excisional biopsy
An excisional biopsy is a more involved procedure in which the entire abnormality is removed.
When do I need a biopsy?
During your biannual dental visits, your regular dentist does an oral cancer screening and can use a light to look for anomalies in the areas in and around your mouth. They also touch your head, cheeks, jaw, and in your mouth to feel for unusual nodules or masses. If you have atypical results, the doctors at Perio Health Professionals perform a biopsy to give you a definitive diagnosis.
In addition to recommending a biopsy, your regular dentist should also look out for the following symptoms:
- White patches of oral tissue
- Red and white gum patches
- A sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A mass or lump in your neck or mouth
- Chronic hoarseness
Biopsies are especially important if you use tobacco and alcohol extensively in any form.
What happens after a biopsy?
Most of the time, results come back negative for cancer, giving you a clean bill of health. However, it is best to take precautions as quicker diagnosis and treatment leads to better results and better long-term health. The staff at Perio Health Professionals look at your results and discuss any treatment they deem necessary with you.
To schedule a biopsy and discuss any concerns you have, call or reach out to us via e-mail to schedule an appointment with the expert physicians at Perio Health Professionals in Houston.