Oral Cancer Screening in Kitchener, ON

Oral Cancer Screening Near You

Oral cancer screening is an integral visual inspection and palpation to identify precancerous lesions or cancers. This essential screening for oral cancer can reduce or improve your chances of survival. When you visit our office for oral cancer screening near you the goal is to detect early symptoms. This is because when oral cancer is detected early, it can be treated successfully.

oral cancer screening in kitchener

What Happens During Oral Cancer Screening?

Your dentist will explain the various steps involved in an oral cancer screening. To begin, your dentist will discuss if you have any factors that place you at a higher risk of developing oral cancer and will review your medical history. Sight, sound, and touch are used to detect abnormalities of your mouth which may signify early stages of oral cancer. Your dentist will perform a visual examination of your head, face, and neck. Using a technique called palpation, your dentist will check neck nodes and glands as well as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for swelling, lumps, and symmetry. Next, they will perform an intra-oral examination which is a visual check for mucosal abnormalities and anything unusual in your mouth. Be sure to ask any questions before your oral cancer screening in Kitchener, ON.

What are The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?

The following are factors that can be contributed to oral cancer:

  • Smoking: The consumption of tobacco, in any form, can raise your risk of oral cancer.
  • Drinking: Regular consumption of alcohol, especially when combined with smoking impacts your oral health and increases your risk of oral cancer.
  • Significant sun exposure: Your risk of developing lip cancer is higher if you have had excessive sun exposure over the years.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV): Patients with HPV are more prone to oral cancer.
  • Gender: Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women.

What are The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

If you notice one or more of the following signs or symptoms for more than two weeks, visit your Kitchener dentist:

  • Patches in your mouth
  • Persistent mouth sores
  • A change in the colour of your oral tissues
  • Loose teeth
  • Swelling or lumps
  • Indurations
  • Enlarged or hard lymph nodes/glands
  • Lasting earache

Every year, thousands of new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed. Oral cancer screening near you is offered at our dental clinic and can detect the disease in the early stages which is the key to the survival rate. Contact our dentist near you to learn more about oral cancer screening in Kitchener, ON today!