Oral Cancer Screenings
Know Your Status: Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease that affects areas of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, floor, and roof of the mouth. Regular oral cancer screenings are necessary to have the greatest chances of successful treatment. In San Antonio, TX, oral cancer screenings are available at Oak Hills Periodontics’s office. Our dental team proudly offers oral cancer screenings to all patients in order to ensure early detection. We will evaluate your mouth for symptoms of cancer so that it can be treated accurately and promptly. It is important to note that if we suggest an oral screening be done, it does not mean that you have cancer; it means that we are simply being proactive to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
When you come into our office for an oral cancer screening, our dental team will perform a visual and physical inspection of your mouth and its tissues. This examination is quick and easy for our dentist to complete. Our goal is to identify any signs or symptoms of cancer if they are present. Getting an oral cancer screening can also be reassuring for patients to know that there are no signs indicating that cancer is present. Some of the signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions that we will look for include:
- Sores or ulcers that don’t heal
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps or bumps
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth
- Swelling or thickening
What Happens After an Oral Screening?
Most of the time, an oral cancer screening will not yield any troubling results. However, if our dental team does notice any abnormalities in the oral cavity, we may recommend that you get further testing. We may even refer you to a specialist who can perform a biopsy or other additional evaluations. It is important to remember that even if abnormalities are present during the oral cancer screening, it does not automatically mean that you have cancer. Additional testing is required for an accurate diagnosis.
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening Today
If you are concerned about the status of your oral health, come into our office, and we will perform an oral cancer screening. Our dental team is equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to identify any signs of oral cancer that you may be experiencing. It never hurts to know your status, and this preventative exam can even save your life. We are here to support you and your oral health, which means making sure that everything looks healthy and safe in your mouth. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment to get an oral screening at our office.