Oral Cancer Diagnosis with Pathology in Southlake, TX

One of the things your dentist looks for during a dental exam is any signs of abnormal growth. This is because sometimes these abnormal growths are cancerous. Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth including the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, the floor of the mouth, or the inner lining of the cheeks. Unless you take the time to look around your mouth all the time, it’s important to visit the dentist regularly so they can catch any unusual looking spots. We use advanced dental technology, VELscope, to find the earliest signs of abnormalities in your mouth.

The sooner you catch oral cancer, the better the outcome. Of the 53,260 people diagnosed with oral cancer per year, 10,750 of them will die – that’s 20%.

Aside from unusual growths in the mouth, there are a few other symptoms of oral cancer you can watch out for including:

• Loose teeth
• Mouth or lip sore that doesn’t heal
• Reddish or white patch in the mouth
• Lump or growth inside the mouth
• Mouth pain
• Ear pain
• Painful or difficulty swallowing

If you notice any of these symptoms, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible for pathology with a Southlake, TX dental expert.

The actions you take in your daily life can play a large role in whether or not you develop oral cancer. The following factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

• Heavy alcohol use
• Tobacco use including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco
• Excessive sun exposure to the lips
• Contracting human papillomavirus
• Weakened immune system

Although there’s no way to prevent mouth cancer, you can reduce your risk by:

• Stopping tobacco use – If you currently use any tobacco products, quit as soon as possible. If you don’t use any, don’t start. It doesn’t matter what type of tobacco you use. They are all harmful to the body.
• Drinking alcohol in moderation – Although not drinking alcohol is the best way to reduce your risk, drinking in moderation can also help. Experts recommend no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
• Avoid excess sun exposure to the lips – If you must be outside in the sun, wear a hat and lip balm with sunscreen in it every time you’re outside. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Visit the dentist regularly – You can’t see every area in your mouth yourself. By having a dentist examine your mouth regularly, you’re more likely to receive an early diagnosis.

If your biopsy confirms oral cancer, timely treatment is critical. At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, we coordinate closely with medical specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, to ensure you receive the most effective treatment plan. Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Our role doesn’t end with diagnosis. We provide ongoing support, monitor your recovery, and help restore your oral health whenever possible. Because oral cancer often develops silently, prevention and early detection remain your best defense. That’s why we recommend consistent dental exams, oral cancer screenings with advanced tools like VELscope, and adopting healthier lifestyle choices to lower your risk.

By combining advanced diagnostic technology, proactive care, and collaboration with specialists, our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome while protecting your overall health.

When you visit Dr. Van Tassell for pathology, he will begin with a comprehensive oral exam to check for any abnormal growths or changes in your mouth. While oral cancer is one possible cause, many growths turn out to be cysts or benign tumors. In some cases, an abnormal area may be related to a dental infection or an issue with a tooth. To help determine the cause, Dr. Van Tassell may recommend a CT scan of your jaw. If anything appears concerning, he will take a biopsy for further testing. Should the results indicate cancer, he will coordinate a referral to an oncologist for specialized care.

If you’re overdue for an oral cancer screening or have noticed unusual changes in your mouth, take an important step toward protecting your oral health by scheduling an exam today.