What are oral cancer screenings, and why are they recommended?

Our team at The Dental Studio in Flower Mound, Texas, performs oral cancer screenings to look for signs of any abnormality or disease. This can be done during a regular check-up as part of your routine dental care or on its own if you have an area of concern.

What might be the signs or symptoms of oral cancer?

Oral cancer may appear as the following:

• A sore that does not go away or heals and then reoccurs
• An irritation or lump in the mouth, throat, tongue, or other area of the face
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing
• White patches on the gums or soft tissues of the mouth

What can I expect during an oral cancer screening with Dr. Yasi Sabour?

The oral cancer screening and examination involves looking at the soft tissues in your mouth, such as the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue. It also consists of feeling around the neck area to check for abnormalities. We may also take swab samples if necessary. If anything suspicious is found during the oral cancer screening, further tests may need to be conducted to diagnose and treat it appropriately. This might include a biopsy, which takes a sample of the suspicious tissue to send to a laboratory for closer inspection.

Why should I have oral cancer screenings performed regularly?

Oral cancer screenings are important because they can help catch problems early on–before they become serious health issues and spread throughout the body. Oral cancer can be spotted sooner than other cancers, ensuring better recovery rates than other types of cancers which are not visible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve one’s quality of life and lifespan!

When was your last oral cancer screening?

If you don’t remember your last screening or have never had one, it is time to be more proactive about monitoring your overall health and wellness. Call Dr. Yasi Sabour and her team at The Dental Studio in Flower Mound, TX, to discuss your needs. The office is at 2261 Olympia Drive, Suite #300, and can be reached to request an appointment by calling (214) 285-5900. We welcome new and current patients from the surrounding communities of Grapevine, Lewisville, Southlake, Argyle, Denton County, Double Oak, and Highland Village, TX.