Oral Cancer Screening Near You in Houston, TX 77024
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Cancer Screening Procedure
The screening for oral cancer is performed by a dentist to identify mouth cancer early when there is a greater chance for a cure. Many dentists perform this screening as a part of their service in a routine dental examination.
Our family dentist in Houston, TX and the team of oral healthcare professionals at Lynn Alan Palmer, DDS, want to educate their patients about the benefits of routine screenings for oral cancer. The dentists here are the best answer to our search of ‘oral cancer screenings near me.
> The Visual Exam
The oral cancer screenings in Houston, TX, includes a visual and physical examination of the oral cavity and of the oropharyngeal areas located behind the oral cavity, like the soft palate, the tonsils and the walls of the throat. The face, neck and the inside of the nose are also examined during the screening.
The patient must take out all removable dental appliances to expose all areas for this examination. The dentist will look for asymmetries, swellings, bumps, ulcerations and varying patches of color.
The tools include a light, a mirror and a tongue depressor, and this part of the visual exam is much like a typical physical. Your dentist will also use other tools to aid in the visual examination of the gums, the inner cheeks and underneath the tongue.
Our dentist near you in Houston, TX ensure that all aspects are properly looked into and that complete care is ensured to the patients at all times.
> The Physical Exam
The oral cancer specialist in Houston will touch the cheeks, head, the jawline, under the chin and inside the oral cavity to detect unusual masses. Pressure applied to these nodules could be uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. However, painless swellings could be a sign of abnormalities elsewhere.
Devices Used in Oral Cancer Screenings
In addition to the tools used in the typical physical and visual exams, there are other tools and equipment to aid in the identification of abnormalities. These instruments may include the:
- Oral CDx, a brush for removing cells;
- VELscope, a blue light to identify suspicious areas; and
- Orascoptic DK, to release an acidic mouth rinse to aid in the visual examination of tissues, are some of the equipment used for a thorough and effective oral screening.
After the Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening in Houston, TX, is not diagnostic; it is precautionary. For patients who smoke, use other tobacco products or ingest alcohol heavily may be asked to return for screenings at shorter intervals than regular dental check-ups. These additional screenings may be recommended even without any visible symptoms from a prior exam.
Sometimes, results that require further testings are not cancer related, but they are abnormal and may need treatment. Early detection and treatment will reduce future health-related conditions.
If you would like a consultation regarding oral cancer screenings, then please contact the oral healthcare professionals at Lynn Alan Palmer, DDS, dental clinic in Houston, TX, where new patients are always welcome.
Get Oral Cancer Screening Near You
Lynn Alan Palmer, DDS is trusted and highly recommended for oral cancer screenings, as well as other treatments and procedures in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with our dentist near you at Lynn Alan Palmer for screening as well as treatment. You can also avail services in Hedwig Village, Spring Branch West, Spring Branch East, Spring Branch North, Energy Corridor, and North Houston. Visit today!
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
Getting tested for oral cancer can be frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few answers to common questions about the oral cancer screening:
Oral cancer screenings are recommended for all patients at least once a year. If signs of oral cancer are detected, or there is evidence of risk factors, our dentist in 77024 may recommend more frequent screenings.
An oral cancer screening is performed similarly to a routine exam. Our dentist in North Houston checks the inside of the mouth, particularly the soft tissues, for signs of redness, inflammation, splotches, nodules, and other abnormalities. They may use a special dye that causes cancerous tissue to show up more easily if they believe there may be something wrong.