Oral Cancer Screenings in Cypress, TX
Oral cancer is a serious condition that may become lethal if it is not treated for too long. Still, many people remain unaware of its signs unless it reaches a late stage. That’s why we perform routine oral cancer screenings in Cypress, TX, especially for those who are at a high risk. Speak to our dental experts at Village Park Family Dental to find out how often you should get screened based on your risk of this disease.
Request An Appointment
Common Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Like other types of cancers, oral cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and also damages the healthy tissues. You may not notice any change when it starts, but as time passes, more signs appear, which can include:
- Lesions or sores in your mouth that do not go away after two weeks
- White, pink, or red patches in your mouth
- Unusual lumps or bumps
- Numbness in some parts of your mouth
- Difficulty in eating or swallowing food
- Pain in the jaw, near your ears, or in the surrounding areas
- Changes in the natural bite of teeth
- A change in the tone of your voice
If you see any of these signs, don’t wait too long thinking that they will get better on their own. The earlier this problem is diagnosed, the better it can be treated.
Who is at Risk of Developing Oral Cancer?
Although oral cancer can affect people of any age and gender, there are some factors that can dramatically increase the chances that you may develop this disease. This can happen if you:
- Smoke or use tobacco products too often
- Frequently drink alcohol
- Have a positive family history of oral cancer
- Are exposed to direct sunlight for long hours
- Have a history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Normally, our team in Cypress recommends that all our patients get oral cancer screenings at least once every year. But if you or a member of your family has any of these risk factors, we will schedule more frequent screenings.
Are Oral Cancer Screenings at Our Cypress Practice Painful?
Not at all. They are quite easy and don’t need any special preparation on your end. Before starting the process, our dentists will ask you some questions about your medical and dental history. If you have been noticing any unusual signs, feel free to discuss them with our team.
First, we will use dental instruments to look for tell-tale signs of oral cancer. Our dentist will also manually palpate around your lips, cheeks, and inner soft tissues to feel the presence of any abnormal growth or lump.
If there are suspicious symptoms, we may ask for further testing, like a biopsy, to confirm whether or not you have this disease.
FAQs
How often should I get screened?
Our experts in Cypress generally recommend getting oral cancer screenings once every year, but they may be more frequent if you are at a higher risk.
How long does an oral cancer screening take?
Our screening exams are quick and usually take less than half an hour.
What to expect from the results?
If we identify any unusual signs during your exam, we may suggest a biopsy to get a confirmed diagnosis.
Book an Appointment Today
If you ever see suspicious bumps or lesions in your mouth, visit us promptly for oral cancer screenings in Cypress, TX. Contact our team at (281) 376-4444 to schedule an appointment today.
What People Say
I’ve been seeing Dr. Ahmed, since 2015, and she has been both my dentist and orthodontist. She is incredibly skilled, attentive, and truly cares about her patients. Dr. Ahmed always takes the time to explain everything clearly and makes sure I’m comfortable at every visit. Her staff is just as wonderful professional, friendly, and welcoming every single time.
Kelci Bougere
Vania Romero
Ashley N Burditt
Shazia Ali
Ariana Baxter