Oral Cancer Treatment – Katy, TX

Let Us Be on Your Team Against Cancer

Oral cancer doesn’t get a lot of attention, but on average, 132 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with this condition every day, and around 10,000 die from it each year. How can you protect yourself from this disease? Knowing about its signs and symptoms, as well as regularly getting screened, can play a huge role in early diagnosis. If you ever develop it, you can rely on our team to provide part of your needed treatment.

Why Choose Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy/Cypress for Oral Cancer Treatment?

  • Board-Certified Oral Surgeons
  • Empathetic Team
  • Gentle and Thorough Screenings

What Is Oral Cancer?

Just like other types of cancer, oral cancer in Katy is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that damages the surrounding tissues. It may develop in the mouth, in the lips, on the throat, or in other areas around the oral cavity. It is the eight-most common cancer in the world. If it remains untreated long enough, it can prove to be deadly. Fortunately, five-year survival rates for it are quite high when patients are diagnosed while the disease is still in its early stages.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Oral Cancer?

Risk assessment form for oral cancer

People of any age, gender, or lifestyle can develop oral cancer. However, there are some groups of individuals who are at a higher risk of suffering from it, including:

  • Individuals who smoke or chew tobacco
  • People who consume large amounts of alcohol (the risk is even higher when heavy alcohol consumption is combined with tobacco use)
  • Those who frequently spend prolonged periods of time in the sun
  • People with a history of having the human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Individuals with a family history of oral cancer
  • Those who are up in age

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Man with mouth pain, may have symptoms of oral cancer

Your general dentist should perform a thorough oral cancer screening in Katy each time you visit them for a routine cleaning and checkup. We can also perform screenings in our office. This quick and noninvasive procedure can help to identify abnormalities in your oral tissues and aid in early diagnosis of oral cancer. Some things that we typically check for include:

  • Lesions or sores, particularly those that take a long time to heal
  • Ares of discoloration
  • Lumps or bumps in or around the mouth
  • Rough-textured tissues
  • Asymmetries of the mouth or face
  • Voice changes
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Difficulty eating/swallowing
  • A persistent sore throat

Reducing Your Risk

Man in blue shirt declining offer of cigarette

Hopefully, you never have to face a diagnosis of mouth cancer in Katy. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this disease:

  • Abstain from smoking and/or chewing tobacco
  • If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation
  • Wear a hat and/or lip balm with SPF when you are out in the sun
  • Eat a balanced diet that is full of antioxidants

You should also be aware of any unusual changes in your oral tissues. If you ever suspect there is a problem, do not ignore it. Instead, ask for a professional oral cancer screening right away. Your diligence could save your life!