The main purpose of oral cancer screenings is to spot red flags early for better chances of a successful cure. Our friendly family dentists near you screen you for cancerous and precancerous signs during routine dental exams and cleanings.

Who is at Higher Risk of Developing Oral Cancer?

Although oral cancer is known to affect a wide range of patients, certain groups may be at higher risk. These include:

• Patients who are heavy smokers or those who chew tobacco products
• Those who consume excess alcohol regularly
• Patients with a recurring family history of oral cancer
• Patients with prolonged or excessive sun exposure

Undergoing oral cancer screenings in York & North York, ON does not imply that you have oral cancer; this is a preventive screening procedure. If you are doubtful about your risk for oral cancer, please feel free to speak to our supportive dentists at Marlee Dental Office.

What Does Oral Cancer Screening Procedure Involve?

One of our reliable dentists will use gloved hands to check gently under your jaws, neck and face for suspicious swellings, bumps, or lumps. We also use advanced diagnostic tools like the VELscope® to detect hidden abnormalities and unusual tissue. We also use modern devices like an Oral CDx® that helps in the painless removal of tissue samples for further diagnosis.

Possible signs of oral cancer could include:

• An ulcer, pimple, or sore that doesn’t heal over many weeks
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue
• Reddish or white patches or lesions on the inside of the cheeks or lips

Our highly trained dentists in York & North York, ON will also check for unusual ulcerations in the throat, under the tongue, floor of the mouth, and tonsils.

Follow-Up Procedure after Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings near you are a preventive procedure, and if further diagnosis is required, our friendly dentists at our North York dental clinic will refer you to a doctor or specialist. The presence of one or more abnormalities in the oral cavity does not necessarily signal an oral cancer diagnosis. The tissue sample needs to be sent for a biopsy for a confirmed diagnosis.