Every year, an estimated 3,400 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in Canada and 30,000 in the United States. Early detection plays an important role in improving treatment outcomes, which is why routine oral cancer screenings are an essential part of your dental visits.
Our goal is to identify potential concerns as early as possible and recommend treatment before conditions become more serious. Preventive care is about more than detecting cavities, it also includes monitoring the overall health of the tissues inside your mouth.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is the abnormal growth and spread of cancerous cells within the oral cavity. It can develop in different areas of the mouth, including the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Gums
- Inner lining of the cheeks
- Roof of the mouth (hard and soft palate)
- Area underneath the tongue
- Back of the throat
Like other types of cancer, oral cancer occurs when cells begin to grow uncontrollably and form abnormal tissue. If left undetected and untreated, oral cancer can spread to other areas of the body.
Understanding the signs of oral cancer and attending regular dental check-ups can help identify potential concerns at an earlier stage.
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual examination performed by a dentist or dental professional to check the tissues inside your mouth for any unusual changes or signs that may require further investigation.
During your routine dental examination, our dentists and hygienists carefully assess the soft tissues of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and throat. Although you may not notice when this assessment is taking place, our team is continuously looking for abnormalities or changes from what is considered normal.
An oral cancer screening may include checking for:
- Unusual sores or ulcers
- Red or white patches
- Lumps, bumps, or thickened areas
- Changes in the colour or texture of oral tissues
- Areas of tenderness, numbness, or discomfort
What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Knowing what are the signs of oral cancer can help you recognize changes that may require professional attention. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Sores in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks, even if they are painless
- Dark red or white patches inside the mouth
- New lumps, bumps, or thickened areas on the lips, tongue, gums, or neck
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Unexplained numbness or tingling in the mouth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
Many of these symptoms can have causes unrelated to cancer, but any persistent changes should be assessed by a dental professional.
Oral Pathology Assessment
If our team identifies an area of concern during an oral cancer screening, an oral pathology assessment may be recommended. This involves examining a tissue sample or biopsy to determine whether abnormal cells are present.
At Westmount Dental, we routinely perform oral biopsies and submit suspicious tissue samples to the University of Toronto Pathology Department for assessment. This allows us to obtain accurate information and determine the appropriate next steps for your care.
With efficient pathology testing, we can help provide answers quickly and guide you through any recommended treatment or follow-up care.
Schedule your oral cancer screening in Thornhill
If you notice any possible signs of oral cancer, or if you have changes in your mouth that concern you, contact Westmount Dental to schedule an oral cancer screening. Through preventive care and regular examinations, we help reduce the risk of more complex and costly dental issues in the future.
