What Is Oral/Mouth Cancer Screening?
We perform mouth/oral cancer screenings as part of all our regular dental examinations, to help minimise the impact of mouth cancer through early detection. During your regular dental check-up, we’ll check for any red spots, white patches, swellings, or abnormalities in the mouth.
If we find anything of concern, we’ll ask you back for a follow-up or refer you to a consultant. Mouth cancer affects thousands of patients in the UK, but thanks to early detection through measures such as these, recovery rates are much higher.
Symptoms to be aware of include a bleeding ulcer that won’t heal, persistent pain or difficulty when swallowing, and persistent growths and lumps. If you are experiencing any of these, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our dental team at Gargrave dental practice.
Mouth/Oral Cancer – Risks and Possible Causes
Understanding the risks and causes of oral cancer involves examining both lifestyle choices and other medical conditions.
It’s important to note that having these risk factors does not guarantee that you will get oral cancer.
While the exact cause of oral cancer is not completely known, certain factors may make you more likely to develop it. Here are some factors that can increase your risk:
Drinking alcohol increases your risk of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer, especially when combined with smoking. Research shows around 30 out of 100 (30%) of mouth and oropharyngeal cancers are caused by drinking alcohol.
Smoking tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars) increases your risk of developing mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. Research suggests that more than 60 out of 100 (more than 60%) of mouth and throat cancers in the UK are caused by smoking.
Some illnesses such as HIV or AIDS can weaken your immune system. Research shows an increased risk of mouth cancer if you are having treatment for HIV or AIDS.
Dentist's Play A Vital Role In Diagnosing Mouth/Oral Cancer & Saving Lives
Mouth cancer occurs when tumours develop in the mouth, on the roof of the mouth, tongue, lips or gums. The exact cause of mouth cancer in unknown, however, lifestyle factors such as smoking can greatly increase the chance of developing this type of cancer. Oral cancer screening at our dental practice is a quick test to check that the oral cavity is free from any cancerous lesions.
It is imperative that your dentist spot this disease as early as possible. This is why at Gargrave Dental Practice, we offer our patients mouth cancer screening appointments at our dental practice.
The signs and symptoms of mouth cancer can include (but are not limited to):
Lumps developing in the mouth, on the tongue or lips
Red or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue
Numbness of the mouth or lips
Ulcers and sores which do not heal after a few weeks
Other symptoms include:
All of these symptoms can be due to other conditions, so tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- White patches anywhere in your mouth
- Red patches anywhere in your mouth
- A lump on the lip, tongue or in the mouth or throat
- Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- A feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Loose teeth or dentures feeling uncomfortable and not fitting properly
- A change in your voice or speech problems
- Weight loss
- A lump in the neck
Early Detection Is Vital
Click the button below to enquire about our oral cancer screening service