Oral Cancer Screenings Houston

What Is Oral Cancer?

Like other cancers, oral cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells that spreads and damages the surrounding tissues. It can be found in the mouth and the surrounding structures, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard or soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Oral cancer is the eighth most common cancer in the world, and it can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. However, the five-year survival rates for oral cancer are extremely high when detected in its earliest stages, which is easy to do with regular dental checkups.

Who Is at Risk of Getting Oral Cancer?

While oral cancer can affect people of any age and gender, there are certain risk factors which can dramatically increase the odds that you will develop this disease. If one or more of the following is true about you, you may need to undergo more frequent oral cancer screenings:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Frequent and prolonged UV exposure
• History of human papillomavirus (HPV)
• A family history of cancer/oral cancer
• Older age
  

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Experts report that the high death toll associated with oral cancer isn’t because the disease is particularly deadly, but because it often goes undetected for too long. During your routine dental checkups, your dentists will always check for the most common warning signs of oral cancer to help catch it as early as possible. Between your biannual visits, keep an eye out for these common warning signs of oral cancer:

• Lesions or sores that do not heal after two weeks
• Discolored areas (white, pink, red) in the mouth
• Lumps or bumps in or around the mouth
• Rough patches
• Asymmetries in the face or mouth
• A change in the tone of voice
• Any other irregularities in the mouth
  

Oral Cancer Screenings & Treatment

Studies show that the earlier oral cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it can be successfully treated. That’s why the team at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Houston recommends getting an oral cancer screening at least once a year. It is a quick procedure that doesn’t cause any pain or require anything on your end. Simply be prepared to discuss your oral and overall health and any changes you may have noticed in your mouth lately. After this brief but thorough discussion, Dr. Koo or Dr. Weil will perform a visual and tactile examination of your mouth and oral structures. Although oral cancer screenings are quick and simple, they can potentially save your life!

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The Benefits of Routine Oral Cancer Screenings

Early detection of oral cancer can increase the likelihood of successful treatment by up to five times! That alone makes getting routine screenings for this disease an absolutely logical thing to do. However, there are plenty of other benefits oral cancer screenings offer as well, including:

• Oral cancer screenings are non-invasive and potentially life-saving
• Some dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings
• You don’t have to do or wear anything special to undergo an oral cancer screening
• The exam can be completed at the end of a routine appointment
• Biopsies can be tested immediately or after two weeks, depending on the severity
• Getting regularly screened can decrease the cost of oral cancer treatment when the disease is detected early

What Happens If Any Signs of Oral Cancer Are Detected?

Your oral surgeon in Houston will perform a quick oral cancer screening every time you see them, and if a suspicious area is detected, they will discuss your next steps in the very same appointment. Persistent lesions should be biopsied right away for a proper diagnosis. For other, less serious warning signs, they may recommend you come back in a couple of weeks to see if the area has healed or changed.

If you ultimately end up needing a growth removed from your mouth, oral surgeons are more than qualified to handle the procedure. For particularly large cancers, they can reconstruct the jawbone as well to help you maintain their normal appearance and function. No matter what you need, you can feel confident knowing you have a capable team of experts on your side.

How Often Should You Be Screened for Oral Cancer?

Most adults should have an oral cancer screening at least annually. This is the best way to ensure that if oral cancer does develop, it can be detected and treated early. Patients who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, including smokers/tobacco users, people with a family history of oral cancer, and those who have HPV or have had oral cancer before, may need to have more frequent screenings from their oral surgeons in Houston. If you have never had an oral cancer screening or if it’s been a while since you were last tested, it’s highly recommend that you contact Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Houston to book an appointment.

Minimizing Your Risk of Developing Oral Cancer

You can reduce your chances of developing oral cancer if you avoid tobacco products, do not overconsume alcohol, eat a healthy diet, and always use proper sun protection.

If you ever notice any suspicious areas in your mouth, or your dentist performs a screening and suggests that you get a biopsy, take prompt action! The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can visit a team of oral surgeons in Houston to get treatment underway. Then, you can get on the road to recovery, and hopefully, suffer minimal consequences to your quality of life.

How Much Do Oral Cancer Screenings Cost?

The cost of an oral cancer screening depends on many different factors. For instance, some dental insurance policies cover preventive care like oral cancer screenings at 90-100%. However, if you don’t have dental insurance or adequate coverage, oral cancer screenings are still usually very affordable given their value. Talk to your Houston oral surgeons about what you can expect to pay. Without any insurance, an oral cancer screening will typically cost less than $100, usually ranging between $40 and $70. That price is well worth it for protection against the disease that claims the life of one person per hour in the United States.