Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
- HPV
- Advanced age
- Long-term tobacco use
- Moderate to heavy alcohol abuse
- Genetics
Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
Since early detection can boost survival rate up 80 percent or more, oral cancer screening is fast, painless, and now a common part of routine dental exams, which is another reason why keeping up with routine dentist visits is important.
Oral cancer screenings from our Houston clinic includes a visual assessment of the outside and inside of your mouth. Our dentist’s objective is to identify changes and abnormalities in your mouth, and on your tongueand lips. Cancer screening is primarilyperformedthrough sight and touch; your dentist will look for sores, or red or white patches, and may press tissues to search for lumps.
If anything appears out of the ordinary or you are showing positive signs of oral cancer, we will refer you to a specialist who will perform a biopsy and provide any necessary treatment.
