Oral Cancer Screenings in Lakeway, TX
Do you have any questions about what happens during an oral cancer screening at Lake Travis Family & Cosmetic Dentistry? On request, our dentist in Lakeway, TX is trained to do visual oral cancer screenings near you. Some dentists prescribe an oral cancer screening based on lifestyle choices or family history.
These visual evaluations take only a few minutes to complete and can save lives. Early detection is critical in the fight against this deadly disease, and a simple screening can reassure a patient who suspects cancer.
At every dental examination, the patient should request an oral cancer screening (even if there are no visible indicators of the disease). Dentists will normally look for symptoms and signs of oral cancer during a routine exam, but it never hurts to ask for a test. Dentists should do oral cancer screenings before the onset of any symptoms.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening?
One of Lake Travis Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s dentists near you will start by looking for asymmetries. We will investigate swelling, tumors, white areas, sores, rough patches, and other anomalies.
The dentist will examine the interior of the nose and mouth using a small light and mirror. The dentist will inspect the back of the throat with a tongue depressor. The dentist will touch the head and cheeks, jaw, under the chin, and oral cavity during the physical exam.
They’ll be on the lookout for anything unusual. We will note unusual nodules or masses, and further investigation may be required. The inability to move usually movable tissue is one symptom of oral cancer that is commonly overlooked. When pressure is applied to these locations, they usually induce pain. Not all malignant sites, however, will be painful.
In addition to a visual and physical examination, if the dentist discovers an anomaly during an oral cancer screening, a sample of the cells in concern will be extracted and then submitted to the lab for biopsy. Oral cancer tests can alert dentists to potential problem areas, but diagnosing the disease is more complicated.
