Oral Cancer Screening Woodbridge & Vaughan
Oral cancer screening is a comprehensive dental examination performed by a specialist to check for precancerous conditions or cancer in the patient’s mouth. The primary goal of this process is to identify the earliest signs of cancer and increase the chance of successful treatment. At Pine Valley Dentistry, we encourage our patients to undergo regular oral cancer screening.
Approximately 53,000 patients are diagnosed with oral cancer per year in North America. 9,750 people succumb to this condition every year, and that means one person dies every hour due to oral cancer! The good news is that a comprehensive oral cancer screening can help detect this disease in its early stages and increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.
At Pine Valley Dentistry, we advise our patients to schedule an annual appointment for oral cancer screening. During these sessions, our certified dentists check for all signs of cancer and perform all relevant tests just to be sure that the patient doesn’t have oral cancer. If they suspect you have precancerous conditions or the cancer cells are already developing, they will recommend the right medical professionals who can treat you successfully.
What are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
During the early stages, oral cancer may be painless. As it grows, you might feel a burning sensation in your mouth. Contact Pine Valley Dentistry for oral cancer screening in case you experience any of the following symptoms for two weeks or more.
- Red or white patches on your tongue and other areas like gums and cheeks
- Ulcers or sores in your mouth that last for two weeks or more
- Challenges in chewing and swallowing food
- Bumps or lumps anywhere on your neck, mouth, or throat
- Changes in your voice
- Pain in your ears
- A sensation of something stuck in your throat
- Bleeding, pain, or numbness in your mouth
- Persistent sore throat
It’s worth mentioning that some symptoms may not appear until later stages of the cancer progression.
Am I at Risk of Oral Cancer?
It is important for everyone to pay a visit to a dental care facility for oral cancer screening at least every year. This process is usually done during the regular oral checkups to detect the disease as early as possible and develop a treatment plan. Here are some of the issues that heighten the risk of oral cancer.
- People over 55 years are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer
- Lifestyle changes such as smoking and heavy drinking heighten the risk of oral cancer
- Health conditions such as HPV are likely to increase the risk of oral cancer
- Excessive exposure to sun harmful UV rays can also heighten the risk of cancer and secondary burns
- Family history of oral cancer could also mean an increased risk for a patient from that family line
- Men are more likely to develop oral cancer compared to women
Whether you are experiencing the symptoms of oral cancer or not, it is recommended to get screened for this health condition every year. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns about our services.
OUR CLINIC
Trusted Dental Tech
Pine Valley Dentistry is a reputable oral healthcare service provider in Vaughan, Woodbridge, Kleinburg, and other cities in Ontario, Canada. We offer a broad range of dental, therapeutic, and cosmetic oral care services to children, young adults, and seniors.Helping Canadians is what we do, but with compassion. We are dedicated to offering excellent dental care for you and your family.
