Wellington Dentistry - London

Oral Cancer Screening in London

Detects cancer early in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Recognize the signs and understand your risk factors.
Call 226-781-7262

The Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs due to abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. While individuals over 45 are at the highest risk, oral cancer screening is recommended for anyone experiencing the following symptoms:

Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red spots.
Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture.
Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding.
Changes in tongue sensation, altered taste, and difficulty swallowing.

The Risk Factors For Oral Cancer

    Certain behaviours and conditions are linked to an increased risk of developing oral cancer. These include:

  • Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
  • Heavy or moderately heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco
  • Potential infection of the mouth by human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Excessive sun exposure or a lifestyle with lots of sun exposure
  • A poor diet or unhealthy eating habits
  • A family history of oral cancer
  • Higher prevalence in men compared to women
  • A history of leukoplakia, which is a thick, whitish-colored patch that develops inside the mouth

Prevention, Detection, And Treatment Of Oral Cancer

When it comes to cancer treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. We customise treatment plans for each person based on factors like how severe the cancer is, what type it is, and where it’s located. It’s all about making sure you get the care that’s just right for you.

Spotting Early Signs Of Cancer

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist looks for early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. They check for red or white patches, suspicious sores, lumps, or unusual textures inside your mouth and under your tongue. They might also feel around your throat and neck for any abnormalities. Early detection is key!

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your oral screening picks up any cancer signs, you might need more tests like a biopsy or imaging scans. Treatment could include surgery, chemo, or radiation to tackle any tumours they find. It’s about getting you the right care fast!.

Prevention of Oral Cancer

Taking proactive steps now can help prevent oral cancer later. Regular dental check-ups are crucial, so visit your dentist routinely. Quit using tobacco products and consume alcohol in moderation. Protect your lips from direct sunlight by using UV-protective lip balms. Maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. While brushing and flossing, check your mouth for any unusual signs or symptoms and promptly report any concerns to your dentist.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early signs and symptoms of oral cancer include discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips (white or dark red), unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture, canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, persistent bleeding, changes in tongue sensation, altered taste, and difficulty swallowing.

Individuals over the age of 45 are at the greatest risk for developing oral cancer. Other risk factors include smoking or using tobacco products, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure, poor diet, family history of oral cancer, being male, and a history of leukoplakia.

You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by seeing your dentist regularly for routine exams, quitting tobacco products, drinking alcohol responsibly, protecting your lips from direct sunlight with UV-protective lip balms, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regularly checking your mouth for any unusual signs or symptoms.

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual textures and may palpate the outside of your throat and neck for lumps.

If signs of oral cancer are detected during a screening, you may be asked to undergo additional tests such as a biopsy, where a small sample of the suspicious tissue is taken for lab analysis, or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI. Depending on the results, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Sahar Haidar
1 month ago
I recently brought my mother in for an emergency appointment, she was experiencing a lot of pain. Dr. Ahmed was able to help with a tooth extraction. He provided excellent service and was very gentle. I would highly recommend this clinic. Their business hours are very accommodating compared to other dentists.
More
Leslie L
2 months ago
I went in for an emergency appointment the same day I called with significant constant tooth pain. Turns out I had severely sensitive teeth that was causing me extreme pain from receding gums and exposed roots. I was given treatment today for it... 3 hours after treatment I tested it with a cold glass of water, no pain whatsoever (prior to treatment I would've had a throbbing ache in my teeth for nearly an hour). Tried it with two spoons of ice cream (which would've had me groaning in agony prior). No pain, mild sensation in my teeth but no pain otherwise. I could not be happier or more relieved, I was in misery for over a week hoping it would just go away on its own. The staff and dentist were patient listening to my probably overly long-winded explanation of my pain. I'm immensely grateful for the quick and effective treatment. I will definitely be coming here for future care and treatment. (They also probably have one of the best business hours of any dentist I can find in London.. They're open 7 days a week and much later than most dentists).
More
Dominic
2 months ago
The best way to put this. This dentistry, the staff are so inviting. They made me and my children feel comfortable and safe during out visit which is hard to come by without the feeling of judgement. They are kind, caring and compassionate and should be reconginized for their values and their dedication to their patients. It's hard to write a good review that will make the reader feel the way you did during your visit. However if you come here for your next visit, you will feel like they are really here to help you and they really have your best intentions at heart
More
Amber Bury
4 months ago
I cannot appreciate Dr. Nabhan enough for the great experience I had during my visit. I was anxious about my procedure but he made me feel at ease with his gentle and welcoming approach. He took the time to explain the before and after images which made me feel much better about everything being done during my visit. All of the staff were so kind and helpful throughout the entire visit as well. I would 100% recommend them to anyone needing dental work. Thank you so much
More
Ziyarmal khan
5 months ago
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Weal as my child's dentist. Dr. Weal was professional, friendly, and very gentle with my child. The office was clean and welcoming, and the staff was helpful and accommodating. Dr. Weal took the time to explain the procedures and answer all of my questions, which made me feel at ease. I highly recommend Dr. Weal for any dental needs for children. Thank you, Dr. Weal, for providing exceptional care for my child!
More
Sahar Haidar
1 month ago
I recently brought my mother in for an emergency appointment, she was experiencing a lot of pain. Dr. Ahmed was able to help with a tooth extraction. He provided excellent service and was very gentle. I would highly recommend this clinic. Their business hours are very accommodating compared to other dentists.
More
Leslie L
2 months ago
I went in for an emergency appointment the same day I called with significant constant tooth pain. Turns out I had severely sensitive teeth that was causing me extreme pain from receding gums and exposed roots. I was given treatment today for it... 3 hours after treatment I tested it with a cold glass of water, no pain whatsoever (prior to treatment I would've had a throbbing ache in my teeth for nearly an hour). Tried it with two spoons of ice cream (which would've had me groaning in agony prior). No pain, mild sensation in my teeth but no pain otherwise. I could not be happier or more relieved, I was in misery for over a week hoping it would just go away on its own. The staff and dentist were patient listening to my probably overly long-winded explanation of my pain. I'm immensely grateful for the quick and effective treatment. I will definitely be coming here for future care and treatment. (They also probably have one of the best business hours of any dentist I can find in London.. They're open 7 days a week and much later than most dentists).
More
Dominic
2 months ago
The best way to put this. This dentistry, the staff are so inviting. They made me and my children feel comfortable and safe during out visit which is hard to come by without the feeling of judgement. They are kind, caring and compassionate and should be reconginized for their values and their dedication to their patients. It's hard to write a good review that will make the reader feel the way you did during your visit. However if you come here for your next visit, you will feel like they are really here to help you and they really have your best intentions at heart
More
Amber Bury
4 months ago
I cannot appreciate Dr. Nabhan enough for the great experience I had during my visit. I was anxious about my procedure but he made me feel at ease with his gentle and welcoming approach. He took the time to explain the before and after images which made me feel much better about everything being done during my visit. All of the staff were so kind and helpful throughout the entire visit as well. I would 100% recommend them to anyone needing dental work. Thank you so much
More
Ziyarmal khan
5 months ago
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Weal as my child's dentist. Dr. Weal was professional, friendly, and very gentle with my child. The office was clean and welcoming, and the staff was helpful and accommodating. Dr. Weal took the time to explain the procedures and answer all of my questions, which made me feel at ease. I highly recommend Dr. Weal for any dental needs for children. Thank you, Dr. Weal, for providing exceptional care for my child!
More
Wellington Dentistry - London

Request an Appointment Today

Call 226-781-7262