Got Questions About Oral Cancer?
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn how one quick screening could help protect your health. Many people don’t realize oral cancer can develop with few or no symptoms early on, making regular exams essential for early detection. Keep reading to learn the facts and how you can stay proactive.
Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know
No one wants to think about cancer of any kind, but it is something we all need to be aware of. Oral cancer is common but highly treatable, especially when we catch it early. That’s why we do an oral cancer screening every time you come in for a checkup. If you’re not familiar with oral cancer, here are some of the most common questions we get about it.
Q: How Common is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer isn’t as common as some other cancers, but it still affects tens of thousands of Americans each year. Because early symptoms can go unnoticed, you may not realize you have the disease until it’s more advanced. The good news is that early detection dramatically improves your survival chances and can also mean less invasive treatment.
Q: Who’s Most at Risk?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors increase risk:
- Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Both increase risk significantly, especially when combined
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): A leading cause of oral cancer in younger adults
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Linked to lip cancer, particularly in outdoor workers
- Weakened Immune System: Makes it harder to fight abnormal cell growth
Even without these risk factors, regular screenings are essential to detect potential issues early.
Q: What Are the Warning Signs?
Oral cancer can be difficult to spot without an exam, but here are some signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- A sore or patch that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Lumps, thickened areas, or rough spots inside the mouth
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or cheeks
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving your jaw
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an exam as soon as possible.
Q: Why Does Early Screening Matter?
Finding oral cancer early makes treatment simpler and more effective. When left undiagnosed, it may require highly invasive procedures, such as removing parts of the jaw or soft tissue. Routine screenings help detect abnormalities sooner—when they’re usually smaller and most treatable.
Q: How Do Oral Cancer Screenings Work?
We include an oral cancer screening with every checkup. VELscope light technology is a noninvasive tool that highlights potential problem areas before they become visible to the naked eye. The exam only takes a few minutes but could make a life-changing difference.
Q: Why Take Time to Screen for Oral Cancer?
Your oral health is about more than just your teeth—it’s also about your total well-being. Regular screenings catch issues before they escalate, helping you avoid unnecessary pain, complicated treatments, and long-term health risks. A simple exam today could protect your future health.
Take Action for Your Health
Oral cancer doesn’t always have visible early warning signs, which is why routine screenings matter. A quick, painless exam can provide peace of mind and help detect concerns before they become serious. Call today to schedule an appointment at our dental office located in Houston, TX. Your health is worth it!
