Mouth Cancer Screening
Regular dental check-ups play a significant role in detecting oral cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.
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Oral cancer screening
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects the tissues of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Our dental professionals often perform mouth cancer screenings during regular dental check-ups to identify any signs of potential oral cancer.
Here’s what you can expect during a mouth cancer screening:
Visual Examination:
Our dentist or dental hygienist will perform a visual examination of your mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. They will look for any unusual changes in color, texture, shape, or symmetry.
Palpation:
Our dental professional may use their fingers to gently feel the inside of your mouth, lips, and neck to check for any lumps, bumps, or areas of tenderness.
Tissue Assessment:
They will closely examine the tissues inside your mouth, including the gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth, looking for any abnormalities or irregularities.
Tongue Examination:
The tongue is a common site for oral cancer. Our dentist will examine both the upper and lower surfaces of your tongue, as well as the sides and back.
Throat and Neck Examination:
They may also examine the back of your throat, tonsils, and neck for any signs of swelling, lumps, or tenderness.
Risk Factors Discussion:
Our dental professional may ask you about your lifestyle habits, such as tobacco or alcohol use, as these are significant risk factors for oral cancer.
Patient Education:
If any suspicious areas are identified or if you have risk factors for oral cancer, the dental professional will discuss their findings with you and may recommend further evaluation, such as a biopsy or referral to a specialist.
Mouth Cancer Foundation
The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity that raises awareness of mouth cancers and provides information and support to patients, carers and health professionals.
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