Oral Cancer Examination
Oral Cancer Screening Tests from Your Cheltenham Dentist
Oral Cancer Examinations Cheltenham
Dentist On Warrigal Cheltenham is equipped with a cutting-edge system to help detect oral cancers at the earliest stage possible.
For optimum oral health and early diagnosis, we recommend coming in for a screening at least once a year for adults.
The oral cancer examination is done quickly and painlessly and can be performed during a regular dental check-up.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Mouth sores and ulcers
- Pain in mouth and/or ear area
- Neck swelling
- Difficulty or irregular swallowing
- Persistent sore throat without signs of colds or other illnesses
How to Prepare for the Screening
Oral cancer examination doesn’t need any special preparation. It is usually performed during a regular dental visit.
What to Expect
During an oral cancer screening examination, your Cheltenham dentist looks over the insides of your mouth to check for mouth sores.
Using gloved hands, your Cheltenham dentist feels the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities.
Additional Tests for Oral Cancer Examination
Rinsing the mouth with a special dye before an exam. Abnormal cells are stained and can be seen through this method.
Shining a special light in the mouth. This makes healthy mouth tissues appear dark and makes abnormal tissues appear white.
Results
If your Cheltenham dentist detects any symptoms of oral cancer or precancerous lesions, we recommend the following:
Follow-up visits after a few weeks to see if the problem area is still there and monitor whether it has changed over time.
Biopsy procedure to find out if there are cancer cells present. A sample of the cells will be taken to the laboratory for testing. Your Cheltenham dentist may perform the biopsy, or you may be referred to a specialist in oral cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Oral Cancer Examinations in Cheltenham
An oral cancer examination is the best opportunity to talk to the dentist about your fears and concerns and to ask for advice about lowering your risks.
Visit your Cheltenham dentist today!
Call us on (03) 9583 5506 or request your appointment online.
We are located at Suite C, 151 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does oral cancer often occur?
Who is at most risk for oral cancer?
People with a history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are at higher risk of developing oral cancers even if they don’t smoke or drink.