ORAL CANCER SCREENING
Here at Griffith Dental Surgery, we are committed to early screening for oral cancer. Dental examinations, unlike many other cancer screening procedures, are not invasive and are important for the diagnosis and treatment of the problem.
Our oral cancer examination involves a simple and quick screening of the oral cavity as a whole and not just your teeth. We will check for signs and investigate symptoms of oral cancer and review your dental x-rays for abnormalities. A referral may be necessary for management of some cases.
Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Risk factors for oral cancer
Our oral cancer examination involves a simple and quick screening of the oral cavity as a whole and not just your teeth. We will check for signs and investigate symptoms of oral cancer and review your dental x-rays for abnormalities. A referral may be necessary for management of some cases.
Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer
- Red or white patches inside your mouth
- An ulcer, sore or blood blister that does not heal and/or bleeds easily
- A lump, spot or roughened/crusted area that may or may not be painful
- A numb area anywhere in your mouth
- Tenderness or mouth pain
- Changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together
- Pain or difficulty when chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue or jaw
- Changes in your speech such as hoarseness
- Altered taste
- Loose teeth and/or sore gums
- Swollen glands
Risk factors for oral cancer
- Smoking
- Chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Too much sun exposure including sun tanning beds
- Sexually transmitted disease – Human Papillomavirus (HPV-16)
- Diet low in fruit and vegetables
- Prior radiation treatment (radiotherapy)
- Exposure to some chemicals such as asbestos, sulphuric acid or formaldehyde
- Regular chewing of betel nuts (popular in some parts of south east Asia)
- GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)
