Oral Cancer Screening Dallas Texas

Oral cancer is a problem that has been increasing in the US over the past 16 years. While it does affect over 50,000 people each year, it is among the most preventable and curable cancers. Dentists alone catch 84% of oral cancers early on, giving you your best chance at a full recovery. That’s why Dr. Davina Prida offers in-depth oral cancer screenings during your regular checkups. She can detect warning signs of oral cancer before it becomes life-threatening. Keep reading to learn more about oral cancer screenings in Inwood Village and what Dr. Prida looks for during this routine check.

Screenings are vital because oral cancer symptoms are often hard to detect on your own. Many times, it takes a trained eye to spot oral cancer. However, contact our office immediately if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Sores in or around your mouth that won’t heal
• Difficulty or pain swallowing
• Red or white patches in your mouth
• Ear pain
• Lumps or bumps in your mouth
• Mouth pain

Dr. Prida will check for any swelling, bumps, asymmetries, ulcerations, or other abnormalities on your face and in your mouth. She also may ask if you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above or if you have any concerns about your oral health. She never wants to find cancer but detecting the early signs could save your life. If she does find any symptoms that could tip off cancer, she may order a biopsy for further investigation. This screening is built-in as part of your routine checkup to provide you with good oral and overall health.

During your oral cancer screening, your dentist in Inwood Village will perform a non-invasive, visual and physical exam. During the visual portion, she will examine your mouth, cheeks, lips, gums, throat, head, and neck for symptoms that may signal cancer. She will ask you to say “Ahh” to get a better look at your tongue and the far back areas of your mouth. After, she may feel along your jawbone and your lymph nodes to check for any lumps or growths. If she touches any areas that cause physical discomfort, it may be a sign of cancer. In total, this quick and easy screening takes a matter of minutes.