Oral Cancer Screenings in Victoria
Oral Cancer Screenings Near You
As the premier oral health experts in Victoria, BC, we take our role in your overall health to heart at Oak Bay Dental Clinic. According to the American Dental Association, 41,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and throat cancers this year. With 60% of the U.S. population visiting the dentist each year, your Victoria, BC dental clinic is the first line of defense for early detection.
Dr. Pite is one of the two dental consultants for the BC Cancer Agency who provides planning and care for patients about to undergo radiation treatment for head and neck cancers.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral or mouth cancer reveals itself as a growth or sore in the mouth or throat that doesn’t go away with time. Oral cancer symptoms include:
- Red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue
- Swelling or thickening of areas inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding
- Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal
- Chronic sore throat
- Hoarseness
- A change in the way your dentures fit
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Our oral cancer screenings consist of a verbal, visual, and physical examination, and they include the following:
- A thorough review of your oral health history, as well as your overall health history, which includes questions that help assess your level of risk for mouth cancer
- A visual inspection of all the areas of your mouth and throat in an effort to locate any abnormalities, such as sores and red or white patches; this inspection includes the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and far-back section of your tongue
- A check for suspicious lumps by palpating your mouth, jaw, and neck
FAQ
How often should I be screened for oral cancer?
You should be screened at every routine dental visit.
If I am found to have mouth cancer, what do I do?
If you are diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Pite will refer you to a specialist so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible.
How do you treat oral cancer?
If you are diagnosed with cancer, you will be sent to a doctor who specializes in treating oral cancer. Treatment typically consists of removal of the cancerous growth followed by radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
