Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer (also called oral cancer) is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth including the lips and the tonge. Mouth cancers often appear as a painless mouth ulcer that does not heal normally or, less often, as a red and white patch in the mouth. Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, whether they have their own teeth or not.

In the UK about 3,500 people get cancer of the mouth each year and nearly 1,600 of them will die of the disease; more in fsct, than die of cervical cancer. Many of these deaths could be prevented by early detection of mouth cancer and a dentist is trained and in the best position to examine for it. If mouth cancer is spotted early then the chances of a cure are good. Too many people with mouth cancer go to the dentist, or doctor, too late.

The routine examination procedure is quick, simple, completely painless and requires no injection. The dentist carefully examines the inside of your mouth with the help of a small mirror. Remember, your dentist is able to see parts of your mouth that you cannot see easily yourself. The dentist may also use a special blue mouthwash which stains any suspicious growth so it can be found more easily.

Heckmondwike Dental Centre now offers a mouth cancer screening service which aims to increse your awareness of your own level of risk for the disease and to help reduce that risk.

In addition to this awareness counselling and regular comprehensive head neck and mouth examination procedures, the pratice can now offer patients an extended test using a new mouth cancer screening mouthwash which stains any abnormal area of the mouth, identifying areas of potential risk even before they become visible.

If you are over forty, drink heavily, smoke or use tobacco in any form, you may be at risk. To take advantage of this new screening service, please call us at the Dental Centre for further information or to book an appointment.

Smoking, or chewing tobacco (or paan), greatly increases your risk of mouth cancer. Heavy drinking is also a risk. If you do both, your chances of getting mouth cancer are much greater. This cancer is more likely to occur in people aged over 40 years. Also it is more common in men than women.