Oral Cancer Screenings in San Antonio and Stone Oak, TX

Why Do Dentists Screen for Oral Cancer?

A dentist near you is more likely to find oral cancer signs than a doctor because they regularly examine the mouth. They do screenings for it every year because the quicker it’s discovered, the better chances are the patient will survive it. Dr. Shah at Hardy Oak Family Dentistry will search for:

• White or red sores on the lips or cheeks
• Hard lumps on cheeks, lips, or the tongue
• Spots along the back of the tongue or roof of the mouth
• Lumps along the sides and back of the neck

Who May Have Oral Cancer?

Although it is cancer that anyone can get, some people are more apt to develop oral cancer because of their lifestyle habits. These people are:

• Smokers
• Heavy drinkers
• Sunbathers
• Smokeless tobacco chewers
• People with human papillomavirus (HPV)

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

The discovery of most oral cancers takes place during oral cancer screenings near you. However, it can be detected after people complain of symptoms. The symptoms for this cancer include:

• A sore on the lips or mouth that isn’t healing
• Red or white patches on the inside of the mouth
• A lump or growth in the mouth
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Loose teeth
• Mouth or ear pain

If you have any of these symptoms that have lasted for two or more weeks, you need to see our dentist in San Antonio and Stone Oak, TX. They can examine your mouth and do a biopsy if necessary to determine if you have cancer.

Getting oral cancer screenings by Dr. Shah at Hardy Oak Family Dentistry can ensure that you are healthy and that there are no signs of cancer in your mouth. If you have symptoms or haven’t been to a dentist in several years, make an appointment for a routine dental exam as soon as possible.