Oral Cancer Screenings in Langley

Early Detection Through Routine Dental Examinations

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter

Oral cancer is the 13th most commonly diagnosed cancer, and it can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. This is why routine dental checkups are so important. They allow our dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth for early signs of oral cancer and other abnormalities.


Patients seeking oral cancer screening in Langley can benefit from routine examinations designed to identify concerns as early as possible. While oral cancer is relatively uncommon, especially among patients without known risk factors, it is always worthwhile to have any concerns evaluated during your regular dental visit. An oral cancer screening is performed as part of every routine dental examination and plays an important role in preventive dental care.

Medical History and Risk Assessment

The first step in an oral cancer screening is reviewing your dental and medical history, including:


  • General health history, including current medications and allergies
  • Oral and lifestyle habits, including tobacco and alcohol use
  • Symptoms of oral pain or discomfort


Understanding oral cancer risk factors, including tobacco use and oral cancer concerns, helps patients make informed decisions about their oral health. If anything appears concerning, we may perform an extraoral and intraoral examination, where we:


  • Inspect your head and neck for asymmetry, tenderness, or swelling
  • Examine lymph nodes in the neck and surrounding areas
  • Inspect and examine the lips and surrounding tissues
  • Carefully evaluate all oral soft tissues, especially areas where oral cancer is more likely to develop, including the tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft palate

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

It is important to note that while these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious oral health issues, they should still be checked by our office at your next routine visit. Common symptoms of oral cancer include red or white spots in the mouth, a sore in mouth that will not heal, a lump or lesion in mouth, pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in your mouth or on your lips, or difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue. There are many other symptoms to look out for, so it is always best to call us for an appointment if you experience or see anything alarming.

Diagnosis

Oral cancer screenings involve a complete examination of your oral cavity, not just your teeth. This helps detect both cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions as early as possible. In addition to a visual and physical examination, our dentist may also use a VELscope oral cancer screening device to identify oral tissue abnormalities that may not be visible during a standard examination.

Treatment

If oral cancer is detected in its early stages, treatment typically involves surgery or radiation therapy. More advanced cases often require a combination of surgery and radiation, while later stages may involve radiation, chemotherapy, or both, with or without surgery.

Prevention

The best way to reduce your risk of oral cancer is through prevention. Avoid tobacco products, drink alcohol in moderation, maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and limit unnecessary sun exposure, particularly to your lips. Regular dental visits and routine oral cancer screenings also play an important role in early detection and protecting your long-term oral health.