Oral cancer
can develop on the tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate, or throat. Caught early, it’s often treatable with far better outcomes. That’s why we include
routine oral cancer screenings
at
AB Dental & Oral Surgery
in
San Antonio
—a quick, painless exam that looks for small changes before they become big problems.
Who’s At Risk?
Tobacco use
(smoked or smokeless)
Alcohol overuse
, especially with tobacco
HPV (human papillomavirus)
—a growing risk factor
Sun exposure
for the lips
Age 40+
, though younger adults can be affected
History of oral cancer
or persistent irritation
Even without obvious risks, screenings are a smart habit—some cases arise in people with
no known risk factors
.
Signs And Symptoms To Watch
Sores that don’t heal
within two weeks
Red or white patches
on the mouth lining
Lumps, thickening, or rough spots
Persistent sore throat
or hoarseness
Numbness
or pain in the mouth or lips
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
These signs don’t always mean cancer, but they
always
deserve a professional look.
What Happens During A Screening?
Visual exam
of your lips, cheeks, tongue (top and bottom), floor of mouth, palate, and throat area.
Palpation
(gentle touch) of the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes.
Lighted tools
and mirrors to see hard-to-reach areas.
Adjunctive tests
if something looks suspicious; we may recommend imaging or a specialist referral for
biopsy
.
The process takes only a few minutes and is typically included in routine checkups.
If We See Something
We’ll explain what we see in clear terms, take photos, and decide on the next step:
watchful waiting
with a short follow-up, an
in-office test
, or a
biopsy referral
. The goal is fast, accurate answers with as little worry as possible.
Prevention You Can Start Today
Quit tobacco
and avoid vaping—your mouth will thank you.
Limit alcohol
—heavy use multiplies risk.
Use SPF lip balm
and reapply outdoors.
Eat a produce-rich diet
—antioxidants support tissue health.
Vaccinate for HPV
if recommended by your physician.
Do monthly self-checks
: under good light, look along the cheeks, tongue sides and underside, and palate.
When Screenings Become Even More Important
If you wear
dentures
or
implant dentures
, remove them for a clear view at home and during exams. Pressure spots that persist should be evaluated—they can mask early lesions.
Peace Of Mind, Visit After Visit
Most screenings find
nothing suspicious
, which is exactly the reassurance patients want. But when we do catch small changes early, intervention is simpler and outcomes are better. It’s a small investment of time with a big potential payoff.
Your Next Step
Add oral cancer screening to your routine—and keep it there.
Call AB Dental & Oral Surgery at (210) 672-2787
in
San Antonio
to
Book an Appointment
. We’ll combine prevention, early detection, and practical guidance to protect your health.
