Oral Cancer Screening - Fort Worth, TX
Protect More Than Your Smile
Prevention is just as important as treatment, perhaps even more so! That’s why our team at Harris Parkway Dental Care offers thorough oral cancer screenings in Fort Worth during your routine dental visits. These quick, painless exams can detect early signs of oral cancer—often before you notice symptoms yourself. The good news is, when caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. However, without regular checkups and screenings, it can go undetected and spread unchecked. Read more about oral cancer and the screenings we provide below.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can appear in many ways, and early symptoms are often easy to overlook. If you notice any of the following changes in or around your mouth, it’s important to get checked right away:
- Persistent mouth sores or ulcers
- Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or cheeks
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Numbness or pain in the lips or jaw
- Lumps or thickened tissue inside the mouth
- A sore throat that doesn’t go away
At our Fort Worth dental office, we encourage regular screenings to catch potential issues early—especially if you use tobacco, drink alcohol frequently, or have a family history of oral health issues.
What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During your oral cancer screening, our dental team will check for subtle warning signs that may not be visible to the untrained eye. We examine:
- Your lips, cheeks, and tongue for unusual spots or lesions
- The roof and floor of your mouth for lumps or swelling
- The back of your throat and tonsil area
- Your jaw and neck for any enlarged lymph nodes or tenderness
These screenings are fast, non-invasive, and could help detect early-stage cancer when it’s most treatable. Our dentists at Harris Parkway Dental Care are trained to spot even the smallest signs of concern, so you know you’re in good hands.
What Can I Expect During My Screening?
Your oral cancer screening takes only a few minutes and is typically included as part of your routine dental checkups. We’ll visually inspect your mouth and throat and gently feel around your jaw and neck for any abnormal tissue.
The entire process is thorough, but painless. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort or stress during the exam. Afterwards, you’ll be able to continue with your checkup and leave our office with peace of mind.
If anything looks suspicious, we’ll recommend the next best steps, such as a biopsy or referral to a specialist. Staying proactive with regular screenings is one of the easiest ways to protect your long-term health, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at least every six months!