Oral Cancer Checks
Early Detection is KeyOral Cancer Checks
Early Detection is Key
If you have a painful sore or mouth ulcer that isn’t healing and won’t go away it could be a symptom of mouth cancer.
As part of your routine examination the Camlough Dental team will perform a visual and
hands-on examination for the signs of oral cancer as well as educate and inform you about reducing your risks. This is performed on every examination appointment.
The Benefits of Oral Cancer Checks
Although mouth cancer is more common in men over the age of 40, it can affect anyone at any age. It is the eleventh most common type of cancer, with almost 7,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year. At present someone dies every 3 hours of oral cancer in the UK
Having regular dental check-ups are the most effective way you can make sure that any signs or symptoms of mouth cancer are caught early.
The Process
Looking For the Warning Signs
These are some of the warning signs we will look for during your oral cancer screening:
- White patches in the mouth (leukoplakia)
- Red patches in the mouth (erythroplakia)
- A lump on the lip, tongue, mouth or throat
- Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- Mouth ulcers that are slow to heal or don’t heal at all
- A sensation of something caught in the throat
- Loose teeth, or change in the fit of your dentures
- A change in your voice or speech problems
- Unexplained weight loss
- A lump on the neck
In the UK, the number of new cases of mouth cancer has increased by more than half over the last decade. However, if the disease is caught early, the chances of a cure are greatly improved.
Aftercare
What You Can Do
Because most people only visit the dentist occasionally there are some things you can do to help detect oral cancer early. These Self Checks only take a few moments and can save your life or that of someone you love.
Follow these simple seven steps to safety:
- Head and Neck – Look for any lumps, bumps or swellings that are only on one side of your face
- Neck – Press along the sides and front of your neck to check for tenderness or lumps
- Lips – Look for any sores or change in colour in your lower lip and feel the lip for lumps, bumps or changes in texture. Do the same on your upper lip
- Cheeks – Look for red, white or dark patches. Place your index finger inside your cheek and your thumb on the outside and gently squeeze and roll the cheek to check for any lumps, tenderness or ulcers
- Roof of the Mouth – Check for any lumps or any changes in colour. Run your finger on the roof of your mouth to feel for any lumps
- Tongue – Look for any changes in colour or texture and for any swelling or ulcers Examine the underside of your tongue by placing the tip on the roof of your mouth
- Floor of the Mouth – Check the floor of your mouth for changes in colour. Gently press your finger along the floor of their mouth and underside of the tongue to feel for any lumps, swellings or ulcers.
FAQs
What is oral cancer? Can it be prevented?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the mouth and throat and can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, and throat.
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer but you can reduce your risk by doing the following:
- Quitting tobacco use
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Getting vaccinated against HPV (HPV vaccine)
- Protecting your lips from the sun with sunscreen
- Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and screenings.
- Improving your diet by aiming for 5 a day fruit and vegetables
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk, including:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips
- Weakened immune system
- Poor oral hygiene
How is oral cancer diagnosed and how is it treated?
During your regular dental exam at Camlough Dental, your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening. This may involve a visual check of your mouth and throat and using a special light to examine your tissues. If anything suspicious is found we will organise a referral to the appropriate specialist for investigation and treatment.
Treatment for oral cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer. It may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. The earlier the cancer is found the better chance you have to make a full recovery.
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