21 Apr 2021
Oral Cancer Awareness Month: At Home Oral Cancer Screening
Because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we want to reiterate the importance of regular oral cancer screening. During your 6-monthly appointments, we thoroughly screen for any abnormal lesions, lumps and bumps. At home, we recommend grabbing a mirror every month and screening your mouth for any changes. If you notice anything abnormal, please reach out to us as early detection can double your chance of survival and limit the spread of cancer to other organs.
Oral cancer is a common form of cancer, with roughly 5,400 new cases reported annually in Canada. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of oral function, irreparable facial disfigurement following surgery, and even death. For this reason, it’s important to regularly visit your dentist for a thorough screening for oral cancer.
What Increases My Risk For Developing Oral Cancer?
Most people diagnosed with Oral Cancer are over the age of 40. There is no single cause of Oral Cancer, but the following factors increase the risk of developing it:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco, especially if you also drink alcohol
- Drinking alcohol, especially if you also smoke or chew tobacco
- Chewing betel nut
- Sun exposure to the lips
- Infection of the oral cavity with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Family history of squamous cell carcinoma
- History of oral cancer
- Weakened immune system
- Psoriasis
Some people develop oral cancer without any of these risks.
What Are The Warning Signs Of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer—represented by red, white, or discolored lesions and patches or lumps in or around the mouth—is typically painless in its early stages. As the malignant cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the lesions or lumps may become more painful. See your dentist immediately if you observe:
- Any sore that persists longer than two weeks
- A swelling, growth, or lump anywhere in or about the mouth or neck
- White or red patches in the mouth or on the lips
- Repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent hoarseness in the throat
How Can I Screen Myself For Cancer At Home?
Wash your hands and go to a well-lit room with a mirror. You may also need a flashlight to see all surfaces clearly. Screen these following areas for any lumps, bumps, irregularities, changes in colour or texture:
1: Your Tongue
Extend your tongue as far as it can go, examining the sides and underside for white and red patches, and feel your tongue for lumps. NOTE: This is the most common site of oral cancers in non-smokers.
2: Inside Of Your Top And Bottom Lips
Feel for lumps or bumps, looking for white or red areas that should not be there.
3: Your Cheeks
Feel for lumps or bumps, looking for white or red areas that should not be there.
4: Your Gums
Healthy gums look pink and firm. Screen your gums for any abnormal changes in colour or texture.
5: Roof Of Your Mouth (hard and soft palate)
Tilt your head back and use your flashlight to see as far back as possible for any abnormalities.
6: Floor Of Your Mouth
Feel with your fingers and look for any lumps or bumps.
7: Your Lymph Nodes
Palpate from your ear down to your collarbone for enlarged lymph nodes- a sign of infection or something more serious.
8: Your Tonsils
Say ‘ahh’ and examine your tonsils for symmetry, enlargement, redness, or unusual bumps.
Where Can I Get An Oral Cancer Screening In Brampton?
The dentists at Venus Dental Care screen for oral cancer during routine checkups. During the screening, they feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, and oral cavity. They thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, specifically looking for sores or discolored tissues. Our team utilizes VELscope technology to visualize oral tissue abnormalities, such as cancers.
The device emits a harmless, bright blue light which is used to inspect the mouth and tongue. The device is sensitive to abnormal tissue changes and produces disrupted patterns if any changes are detected, such as those due to oral cancer.
Our patients agree that oral screenings are quick and painless, and they leave the office feeling great about their proactive decision. Click here to schedule an oral cancer screening appointment today. If you’d like to learn more about the screening, please don’t hesitate to call our team at 905-451-5999 or email at reception@venusdentalcare.com.
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