Oral Cancer Screening in Langley, BC - Dental Doctor in Langley

1. Oral Cancer Screening Oral cancer is the 13th most commonly occurring cancer in Canada. It refers to cancer that may develop anywhere in the head, neck, mouth, sinuses, pharynx. Oral cancer proves to be fatal if undiagnosed in the early stages. Often, they remain undiagnosed for a long time with no alarming signs or symptoms. A normal cell can turn cancerous with repeated aggravations in the form of smoking, alcohol, friction, or sharp tool injury. It often starts as a scar or a lesion in the mouth which seemingly fades away and turns metastatic. About 90% of oral carcinomas, including the tongue, floor or roof of the mouth, inner lip surfaces, gum, hard and soft palates and inner cheek surfaces. Periodic dental exams play a prominent role in detecting and preventing or addressing any abnormalities in the early stages. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get a dental check up at least once a year to prevent future complications.

2. Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer: Often oral cancersymptomsor signs are indicated by non-healing mouth ulcers and bleeding sores for more than 2 weeks, pain, numbness, bleeding from throat, colour changes of tissues, lumps in the throat and mouth, etc. You could be atrisk for oral cancerif you are a smoker, (smokers are six times more at risk than people who do not smoke), addicted to tobacco or alcohol, exposed to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), aged over 40 or genetically predisposed.

3. Screening for Oral Cancer Some of the earliest signs of oral cancer can be mistaken for cold and toothache. Oral cancer may be present even if there are no visible signs or symptoms initially. It is extremely important to seek your dentist’s attention if any of the above signs or symptoms becomes evident and persists for more than two weeks. AtLangley Dental Centrein Langley BC, we perform oral cancer screening by carefully examining your oral cavity, for any lumps or abnormal tissue changes in the neck, head, face and oral cavity, like discoloured tissue, sores, any other signs and symptoms. We apply latest technologies like VELscope® in the detection of oral tissue cancer abnormalities including cancerous and non-cancerous lesions, also for traditional intra and extra oral head and neck exams. Screening with VELscope is an easy process which takes just a few minutes. It is inexpensive, convenient and life-saving and helps prevent future possibilities of developing cancer.

4. As part of the screening, if suspected malignant tissues are noticed, they are sent for biopsy, (tissue sample is sent for microscopic examination). A few tests like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound and MRI may also be required to determine if oral cancer has invaded the jaw bone. Virtually, any suspected malignancy can be tracked down with investigations about lifestyle, habits and health history. Further counselling about these aspects can make the task of diagnosis and treatment much easier. Awareness about oral cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms can help prevention, by watching your lifestyle habits. Self-examination for any kind of sores or lesions in the mouth or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck also helps to seek medical help immediately if any abnormality is observed and enable timely treatment. Regular oral cancer screening at least once a year, can save us from the pain, horrific disfigurement, and expensive treatment cost, following the complications from negligence.