Mouth cancer screening isn’t just for patients who are experiencing symptoms of the disease.
The Newmarket Road Dental Clinic conducts regular screenings on our patients for mouth cancer, even if they don’t exhibit any symptoms, as a way of detecting the disease as early as possible.
What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer sometimes referred to as oral cancer, is characterised by the development of a tumour growth inside the mouth. A tumour can grow on the tongue, the gums, the lips, the inside of the cheeks, or on the roof of the mouth.
If left undetected and untreated, mouth cancer can spread across the mouth or even to other parts of the body, putting your life at risk. It is vital that you go for mouth cancer screening immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?
At its early stages, mouth cancer may be unnoticeable, except for small bumps on the inside of your mouth or your tongue, lips, or gums.
Other common symptoms include persistent bleeding sores in the mouth or on the lips and loose teeth.
As the disease develops, you may experience hard swellings in the mouth, discomfort or difficulty when biting down on your teeth, white or reddish patches inside the mouth, earache, numbness, or changes in your speech.
Am I at risk of mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer can affect anybody, but it is more common among men aged between 50 and 74.
Heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco users are more likely to contract mouth cancer.
What does mouth cancer screening entail?
There is no preparation involved on your part before the screening. During your screening exam, your dentist will inspect your mouth for any signs or symptoms of mouth cancer such as red and white patches, mouth sores, and unexplained lumps and bumps.
What are the benefits of early mouth cancer screening?
When you detect mouth cancer at its early stages, you have a much higher chance of treating it completely, preventing it from spreading or upsetting your overall well-being.
Early diagnosis and treatment also mean other bodily functions such as your breathing, speech, and ability to swallow are less likely to be affected by cancer.
For a brighter and healthier smile, please call Newmarket Road Dental Clinic on 01603 505 443 or Contact us
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