Oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. Early detection is essential to successful treatment and better health outcomes. At Dr. Phil's Family Dental Care, we offer thorough oral cancer screenings in San Antonio, Texas, as part of your routine dental care. These screenings are quick, painless and could be lifesaving.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are simple but highly important evaluations that examine the mouth, throat and surrounding tissues for signs of abnormalities. We carefully inspect the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth and throat to check for symptoms such as:
- Unusual sores or lesions that do not heal
- White or red patches on oral tissues
- Lumps, thickening or rough spots
- Pain, numbness or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
If any suspicious areas are found, our dentist may recommend a biopsy or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Early diagnosis increases the chances of effective treatment and recovery.
Why Routine Screenings Matter
Oral cancer is often treatable when found early, but it can progress quickly if left unnoticed. Routine screenings allow our team to identify problems in their earliest stages, often before symptoms become noticeable to the patient. Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- A history of oral cancer
- Age and family medical history
Even if you do not fall into a high-risk category, regular screenings are an important part of maintaining total health. Our team believes that prevention and early detection are essential parts of every patient’s dental care plan.
Our bilingual and compassionate team is committed to providing comprehensive oral health care in a safe, modern and welcoming environment.
Call 210-231-0430 to schedule your oral cancer screening in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Phil is here to help protect your health through early detection and expert care.