Oral Cancer Screening in Houston, TX
According to statistics, around 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed annually with oral cancer. Majority of the cases develop serious complications due to late diagnosis. Our qualified dentists at Perio Health Professionals offer oral cancer screening in Houston, TX, to determine the possible risk and symptoms of this disease. Oral cancer screening is beneficial for catching the early signs of oral cancer and addressing it right away before it progresses to an advanced stage.
Therefore if you develop an abnormal lump or lesion in your mouth, throat, or neck, call our dental clinic or contact us via email to book a consultation with our dental experts.
What Are The Signs of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer may not present with prominent signs or symptoms during its initial stages. Furthermore, early indications are often misunderstood as common dental issues, leading to a late diagnosis. Factors that may signify the occurrence of oral cancer include:
- A sore on lips, gums, or mouth that does not appear to heal
- An abnormal lump in your oral cavity
- White or red lesions inside the mouth
- Numbness in soft tissues inside the mouth, tongue, or lips
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- Constant, dull pain, even in the absence of tooth decay
- Prolonged hoarseness
- Changes in dental occlusion
If you experience any of the above symptoms, we recommend getting oral cancer screening in Houston at our dental practice. If the disease is present, we will diagnose and treat it at an early stage.
What to Expect During Oral Cancer Screening in Houston, TX?
Before starting the process of oral cancer screening in Houston, our team will record your medical and dental history to identify risk factors. Common risk factors of oral cancer include prolonged smoking, tobacco use, alcohol intake, or heavy exposure to sunlight. Next, our dentists will thoroughly evaluate your oral cavity to assess the presence of any signs, as mentioned above. We will palpate around your oral tissues to look for unusual nodules or hard masses. If there is any suspicious lesion or lump, we will recommend a biopsy to attain an accurate diagnosis.
What is a Biopsy?
A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that requires the removal of abnormal tissue in your oral cavity. The sample obtained after a biopsy is sent to a pathological lab to rule out the presence of oral cancer. As a part of oral cancer screening in Houston, TX, we perform two types of biopsies:
- Incisional biopsy: It is a minimally invasive process in which we will remove a thin slice of abnormal tissue to obtain a sample.
- Excisional biopsy: This is a more invasive process as it involves removing the entire abnormality rather than a small section.
What Happens After A Biopsy?
Once we receive the results of a biopsy, we will call you to discuss its future implications. The results often come back negative, indicating optimum oral health. Even in that case, we may recommend modifying certain habits to reduce risk factors of oral cancer. If the biopsy tests positive for oral cancer, we will consider treatment options to manage it at an early stage. We understand that a diagnosis of oral cancer can be frightening, but rest assured that with proper treatment and care, we can help you regain a healthy oral cavity.
Schedule an Appointment to KNow More Today!
A timely diagnosis is better than facing severe complications later on. To schedule an oral cancer screening in Houston, TX, call us at (713) 783-5442 or contact us via email for an appointment.