Oral Cancer Screenings in Westchase, Houston, TX

Look no further than AK Dentistry for oral cancer screenings in Houston, TX. Thousands of Americans are diagnosed with throat and mouth cancer each year. So, the key to conquering the disease is early detection. Oral cancer can affect the floor and roof of the mouth, gums, tongue, tonsils, throat, lips, and more. For that reason, dentists also refer to mouth cancer as tongue cancer, throat cancer, and tonsil cancer.

Signs of Mouth Cancer and Common Risk Factors

Signs and symptoms of this potentially fatal condition include:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Hard time moving the jaw or tongue
• Loose teeth for seemingly no reason
• Mouth swelling or numbness
• Persistent soreness or pain
• Red or white lesions in the mouth or on the lip

Risk Factors:

• Both Tobacco and Alcohol Use Combined
• HPV 16 Positive
• Tobacco or Alcohol Use
• Unhealthy Diet

To learn more about oral cancer or to book a screening, please call AK Dentistry right away.

While people over 50 are typically the most at risk, there has been a recent spike in younger adults' numbers. The exact cause of this increase is not known. However, research has shown a link between HPV 16 and patients in their 20s and 30s. As a result, people of all ages should be examined for symptoms at every dentist visit. We make this critical step more convenient. So, oral cancer screenings are included with every 6-month oral health check-up.

Getting Screened for Oral Cancer Near You

Let us know that you want a screening when you schedule your dental exam or arrive at our Houston, TX dental office. An experienced team member will ask about your health history.  Then a Houston, TX dentist will examine your entire mouth, neck, and head. The screening will take only about five minutes or less to complete.

We will go over when we are looking for and how you can identify signs and symptoms as well. If your dentist discovers anything suspicious, he or she will take a small biopsy immediately. If the results are positive, surgery is usually the treatment course.