An oral cancer screening is performed at every comprehensive dental exam, typically every six months. If you use tobacco or alcohol regularly, you may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Oral Cancer Screening in Amarillo, TX
Early detection saves lives. At Pybus Dental in Amarillo, Texas, oral cancer screening is a routine part of every dental exam. Dr. Charles Pybus carefully evaluates your mouth, throat, tongue, and surrounding tissues for any signs of abnormality, because catching oral cancer early dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
What an Oral Cancer Screening Involves
During your screening, Dr. Pybus visually examines the soft tissues of your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and throat. He checks for unusual sores, white or red patches, lumps, thickened tissue, or any other irregularities. The screening is painless and takes just a few minutes as part of your regular exam.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, a history of HPV infection, and a family history of cancer. However, a significant number of oral cancers occur in patients with no known risk factors, which is why routine screening is important for everyone.
Why Early Detection Matters
When oral cancer is detected in its earliest stages, the survival rate is significantly higher. Regular screenings at your dental exams give us the best opportunity to identify potential problems before they progress.
Schedule Your Screening in Amarillo
Your oral cancer screening is included with every comprehensive exam at Pybus Dental. Call 806-354-2500 to schedule your next visit.
Early Detection Can Save Your Life
Oral cancer screenings take just minutes during your routine visit. Dr. Pybus checks your mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues for any signs that warrant further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early signs include sores that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, unexplained lumps or thickening in the cheek, persistent numbness, difficulty swallowing, and changes in your voice or bite.
No. The screening is painless and takes only a few minutes. Dr. Pybus visually inspects and gently palpates your mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues to check for abnormalities.
Ready to Schedule Your Visit?
Our Amarillo dental team is here to help. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a second opinion, or want to explore your options, we make scheduling easy.
Call us today: 806-354-2500
Find Our Amarillo Office
8003 SW 34th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79121