Enhance Your Preventive Care with Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer kills at least one American every hour! While mouth cancer is life-threatening, we can overcome it with regular screenings. At Blunn Creek Family Dentistry, oral cancer exams are part of your regular dental check-ups. This proactive approach helps us detect mouth cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. If you are overdue for an oral cancer screening in Austin, Texas, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kunjumary “Mary” Kolathu today!
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Mouth cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth, but it’s more likely to occur in the tongue and floor of the mouth, gums, lips, or cheek lining. Oral cancer may also develop in the area just behind the mouth (oropharynx). Oropharyngeal cancers occur in the tonsils, throat, and back of the tongue.
So, what are the signs of mouth cancer? Common ones include:
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks
- Unexplained swellings, lumps, or masses in the mouth
- Voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tenderness or numbness in the mouth
- Unexpected weight loss
- Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
- Change in the fit of dentures or aligners
While the above signs don’t mean you have oral cancer, it’s essential to get checked by a doctor. The objective is to rule out something serious and give you peace of mind.
What can I anticipate during an oral cancer examination?
The procedure is quick and comfortable. Before we begin, we’ll ask you to remove dentures or any other removable restorations to ensure an unobstructed view of the oral cavity. Then, the dentist will visually inspect your tongue, lips, palate, inner cheeks, and the floor of your mouth for any abnormal patches, lesions, or discoloration. Next, she’ll gently palpate your gums, neck, and throat to feel for any unusual bumps or swellings.
If we spot something unusual, we will schedule a follow-up appointment in a few weeks to monitor progress. If the irregularity remains unchanged or worsens, we’ll recommend a biopsy to determine whether it’s cancerous or not. While the idea of additional testing can feel unsettling, having clear answers is the mo in st critical step. Early and accurate diagnosis allows us to take the right action before the issue progresses.
Who is at risk of mouth cancer?
Everyone is at risk of oral cancer, but some people are more vulnerable. The following are factors that increase the risk of oral cancer.
- Tobacco products, including smoking, chewing, and vaping
- Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- A family history of oropharyngeal cancer
- Heavy alcohol use
- Immunosuppression
- Exposure to sunlight, especially to the lips
- Age over 40, although cases in younger patients are on the rise
While some people have a higher risk of oral cancer, we recommend screenings for everyone. You can still develop oral cancer even when you don’t have any risk factors.
Why does early detection matter?
Like most cancers, oral cancer is easily treatable at an early stage. To put this in perspective, oral cancer has a five-year survival rate of approximately 85–90% when detected early. Unfortunately, this drops below 50% as the disease progresses. These statistics highlight one powerful truth: early detection dramatically improves survival rates and treatment outcomes.
Who offers oral cancer screenings near me in Austin, Texas?
Oral cancer is highly treatable when found early, but much harder to manage when detected late. Don’t wait until signs develop to act. Call (512) 788-9282 and schedule your oral cancer screening with Blunn Creek Family Dentistry. A few minutes during your dental check-up could make a life-saving difference.
