Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and throat. If not detected early, it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. That’s why it is essential to get an oral cancer screening every year with our Colleyville oral surgeon.

 

Has it been longer than one year since your last dental visit? If so, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive dental exam, complete with an oral cancer screening. Contact Texas Oral Surgery Specialists in Colleyville, TX, at (817) 552-3223 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris L. Tye today! 

 

An oral cancer screening is a simple and painless procedure that can help identify any abnormalities in the mouth or throat. In this blog post, we discuss what an oral cancer screening is like and why you need one yearly.

What is an oral cancer screening?

It is a visual and physical examination of the mouth and throat to check for any indicators of cancer or potentially-cancerous conditions. During the screening, a dental professional or healthcare provider looks for any unusual growths or sores in your:

  • Mouth
  • Lips
  • Gums
  • Tongue
  • Tonsils
  • Throat

 

Your provider may also feel the tissues in your mouth and neck to check for lumps, bumps, or any other abnormalities.

What is the screening like?

The oral cancer screening is a quick and painless process. Typically, the whole screening takes only a few minutes to complete. 

 

Dentists and doctors may conduct the screening as a part of a routine dental check-up or physical exam. Your healthcare team may use different tools (like a tongue depressor, bright light, or a special instrument) to help them see oral tissues more clearly.

What happens if my dentist or doctor finds something?

If your dentist or doctor finds any suspicious areas during the screening, they may recommend further tests. For example, biopsies and imaging tests can help determine whether or not cancer is present. 

 

Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment. This means that it is crucial to follow up promptly if your doctor or dentist refers you for further testing.

Why do I need a screening yearly?

Now, you may be wondering why you need screenings yearly. The truth is that oral cancer can develop at any age and can affect anyone, even if they don’t smoke or drink alcohol. 

 

Some risk factors for oral cancer include:

  • Tobacco use
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Sun exposure
  • A weakened immune system
  • A family history of cancer

 

However, many cases of oral cancer occur in people with no known risk factors. Subsequently, annual oral cancer screenings are the best way to detect and prevent oral diseases quickly and effectively.

Oral Cancer Screening in Colleyville, TX

While some sources say that oral cancer screenings every three years are acceptable, the Oral Cancer Foundation recommends yearly screenings for proactive care. So, take charge and schedule your screening with Dr. Chris Tye at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists in Colleyville, TX, today! Simply submit an appointment request here, or call (817) 552-3223 for scheduling.