Oral Cancer Screenings In Burnaby, BC
Oral or mouth cancer is any cancer that affects the oral cavity tissues, including the gums, roof of the mouth, the inner lining of the cheeks, tongue, and lips. When detected early, oral cancer is treatable via chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and surgery.
Oral cancer screening is an assessment conducted by your dentist or doctor to check for cancerous or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screenings in Burnaby, BC, is to identify mouth cancer in good time while there’s a high likelihood of successful treatment.
Are you ready to experience personalized oral cancer screenings near you? Contact Smile Dental Group today to schedule an appointment with our dentists in Burnaby, BC.
The Patient Experience
Oral cancer is caused by abnormal mutation and uncontrollable growth of oral cavity tissues. This growth may be triggered by various factors, including exposure to human papillomavirus, excessive sun exposure, genetic predisposition, heavy smoking, and heavy alcohol use.
Symptoms of oral cancer include persistent mouth sores, loose teeth, bad breath, white or red patches, bleeding gums, difficulty or pain when swallowing, ear pain, mouth pain and lumps.
Our dentists near you look out for these signs during oral cancer screenings.
If required, the dentist may also use oral cancer screening dye or light to highlight cancerous tissues in your mouth.
If any worrisome signs are detected, the dentist usually orders or performs a biopsy test. A biopsy test involves removing possibly diseased tissue or cells for closer examination under a microscope. Since oral cancer screenings aren’t diagnostic, our dentists rely on biopsy tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
The dentists use the biopsy test results to map the way forward. If you’re found to have oral cancer, your dentist creates a personalized treatment plan that considers all your needs.
How to Lower Oral Cancer Risk
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to oral cancer. Still, there are ways of lowering your risk of oral cancer. These include:
- Avoid excessive smoking and tobacco use.
- Wear sunscreen when out in the sun.
- Practice safe sex to avoid contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Practice proper dental hygiene as this keeps your mouth free from harmful bacteria and infections, which can compromise your immune system.
- Get vaccinated for HPV.
- Schedule regular dental exams with your dentist.
If you’re interested in oral cancer screenings in Burnaby, BC, please call Smile Dental Group today to book an appointment.
