Mouth cancer can affect anyone at any age, but the risk increases over age forty-five. However, the survival rates are much higher when this disease is detected early. Oral cancer affects the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, tongue and the roof and floor of the mouth. It is caused when cells begin to grow uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumour or mass. Common risk factors for mouth cancer include excessive alcohol use, smoking, and exposure to HPV (human papillomavirus). However, around a quarter of people diagnosed with mouth cancer will not have any known risk factors. Therefore, no one can afford to be complacent, which is why Margolian Dentistry provides oral cancer screenings in Oshawa.
About Our Oral Cancer Screenings
We offer oral cancer screenings as part of our preventive dental care plans in Whitby, using VELscope oral cancer screening technology. An oral cancer screening is non-invasive, quick and painless using this handheld device which emits a blue light so we can examine your oral tissues closely. Healthy tissues fluoresce differently compared to tissues where they might be cell changes. If we spot any areas requiring closer investigation, we can take a small sample of the cells or refer you to an appropriate specialist who will be someone we trust to look after you. We can also use this device to check for other oral problems, such as fungal or bacterial infections.
Practicing Self-Examination Between Dental Checkups
Between dental visits to Ajax, it is a great idea to get into the habit of carrying out regular self-examinations. Doing this will enable you to get used to knowing how healthy tissues should look and feel, so you will be more aware if there are any changes. Get into the habit of examining the inside of your mouth using a small handheld mirror so that you can see any changes to the colour of the skin. Use clean fingers to feel inside your cheeks and lips so you can notice any changes to skin texture. Cell changes can result in patches of skin that feel rougher or lumpy.
Oral cancer can make it increasingly difficult to eat food comfortably, swallow properly, and even to talk, especially when a mass develops in the throat, but there are earlier signs that can indicate something is wrong. One of the most common is noticing a small spot or lump in your mouth or on your lips. These can be entirely painless or might feel sore. They can look red or white and may bleed easily. Any sore spot or mouth ulcer that fails to heal within a couple of weeks or so should be checked. It is probably nothing serious, but we would always prefer to be safe than sorry rather than see someone at a later stage when the problem could be trickier to treat. Other signs include numbness affecting part of the mouth, possibly due to a tumour pressing on a nerve.
Some people develop red or white patches in their mouth, a condition called leukoplakia, or have areas that look like raised bruises. While these are initially harmless, they can be a precursor to oral cancer. Another possible symptom is developing a persistent sore throat or noticing your voice has become hoarse or is changed. Cell changes can cause the lymph nodes in the neck to swell or feel tender. It can cause unexplained ear pain.
All these changes are most often due to less serious conditions, but it is always better to get professional advice, just in case. If you notice any changes or are ever concerned about your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact Margolian Dentistry and talk to our friendly dental team.