Do you know the signs of mouth cancer? Mouth cancer screening in Milton Keynes can help detect mouth cancer at its earliest stages.
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can affect any part of the mouth, tongue or throat. The symptoms include sores that do not heal, lumps or swellings, changes in the colour of the mouth or tongue, white or red patches, bleeding from the mouth or difficulty swallowing. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of how to detect and prevent mouth cancer, and why regular mouth cancer screening is so vital.
If you’re worried about your risk of mouth cancer, you should consider having a screening done with our dentist at least once every 3 years (preferably more often). At Wilson House Dental Practice in Milton Keynes, we have the tools to effectively and comfortably screen your entire mouth so that you know if anything suspicious is present in your mouth. Learn more about how to detect mouth cancer and get a comprehensive mouth cancer screening at Wilson House Dental Practice today!
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth. It can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. Mouth cancer is more common in men than women, and the risk increases with age. If you’re concerned about mouth cancer, contact us at Wilson House Dental Practice for a screening. We’re dedicated to providing quality dental care and diagnosing patients when they have something wrong.
Mouth cancer screening consists of a visual examination followed by a physical examination. They will look at your teeth, gums, and the inside of your mouth.
The physical exam will require your dentist to feel around your face, neck and mouth to check for any lumps or nodules. Your dentist may use a special device to inspect your mouth. These devices allow the dentist to closely examine your teeth and the inside of your cheeks and gums for any signs of cancer.
Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer can include:
Mouth cancer is most common in people over 60, but it can occur at any age. Symptoms include lumps on the mouth, lips or tongue, red or white lesions or soreness in the mouth or throat. Drinking alcohol and using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer.
There is no proven way to prevent mouth cancer, but you can reduce your risk by:
Mouth cancers form when cells on the lips or in the mouth undergo DNA mutations. A cell’s DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. When healthy cells are programmed to stop dividing, the altered cells continue to grow and divide, building up into a tumour. With time, they might spread and appear on other parts of the head or neck, as well as other areas of the body.
Most oral cancers begin in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) that line your lips and the inside of your mouth. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of mouth cancer. It’s not exactly clear what causes mutations in squamous cells that lead to mouth cancer. But doctors have found factors that may contribute to the increased risk of mouth cancer.
Come and take a look at our treatments, if you are looking to improve your smile, click here for an appointment or by calling 01908 611478
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