At the Woodway, Texas practice of Dr. Corbet Locke, we are passionate about protecting our patients from oral cancer.
Common causes of oral cancer are tobacco use, frequent high quantity alcohol consumption, constant sunlight exposure, habitual cheek or lip biting, or poorly fitting dentures. While most oral cancers are found in people who use tobacco and/or drink alcohol excessively, oral cancers occur in people who have no risk factors at all.
During your regular dental checkup, Dr. Locke will examine your entire mouth, searching for a flat, painless, white or red spot or small sore. Keep an eye out for these other signs of oral cancer, which may include:
Two tests can determine if a trouble spot is cancerous. A brush biopsy is a painless test performed on areas that look harmless or do not have a clear cause. This test can detect potentially dangerous cells in the early stages of the disease. A scalpel biopsy, which requires local anesthesia, is usually performed on suspicious areas.
Remember to schedule regular checkups for everyone in your family! Two visits per year are recommended for general care. If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth between visits, contact our Woodway practice immediately. Your oral health is our number one priority, and we constantly strive to win the battle with oral cancer but providing professional, quality care to our Waco patients.
For more information about oral cancer, support groups, or treatments, visit www.oralcancerfoundation.org.
