OralCancerScreeninginNortheastCalgary
Oral cancer screening is a vital part of your routine dental examination at Martindale Smiles. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, which is why our dentists perform thorough screenings during every check-up. This quick, painless examination can help identify potentially cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions in your mouth before they progress.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important
Oral cancer affects thousands of Canadians each year. When detected early, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and HPV infection. However, oral cancer can develop in people with no known risk factors, making regular screenings essential for everyone.
What We Look For
During the screening, our dentist will examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, throat, and surrounding tissues. We look for unusual sores, red or white patches, lumps, thickening of tissues, and any other abnormalities. If anything concerning is found, we may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist.
What to Expect
- 1Visual examination of all oral tissues
- 2Physical palpation of the jaw and neck area
- 3Review of your medical history and risk factors
- 4Discussion of any findings or concerns
- 5Referral for further testing if needed
