Oral Cancer Screenings in Northwest Calgary

Many of you may have heard about the potential to get oral cancer, otherwise known as mouth cancer. Still, most may not realize that there are many oral cancer types and many different associated risk factors. Depending on your family history, health, oral habits, and other factors, you could be at greater risk for developing oral cancer. That’s why you should schedule an oral cancer screening at Carrington Dental to be safe and discuss any concerns you may have. Cancer is something no one wants to deal with, but catching it early is the key to keeping it a minor issue compared to something that can be life-altering.

How Do Screenings Work?

When you come to Carrington Dental, you’ll be greeted by our friendly staff and knowledgeable doctors. Routine screening is always part of your examination. It is recommended that most patients without risk factors and warning signs get a screening at least once a year. Your dentist will perform the screening and then make recommendations for follow-up care or continued routine screenings.

The procedure itself is fairly similar to a standard oral examination. The dentist checks the mouth for signs of oral cancer, such as lesions, spots, redness, splotches of discolored skin, nodules, and other abnormal mouth tissue. This is usually done by hand but may also include the aid of special light, which causes abnormal tissue to be more visible.

If the dentist finds signs of cancer, they typically take a biopsy and send it off for lab testing. Depending on the result, the dentist may order more follow-up care.

Certain factors make a person more at risk for oral cancer than others. Some risk factors include a history of smoking or using other tobacco products, poor nutrition, UV light exposure, genetic or family history of cancer, and heavy alcohol consumption. If you have any of these risk factors, you may need frequent dental visits for screenings.