Mouth Cancer Screening

Mouth cancer screening is vital for catching mouth cancer early.

All of our examinations include an oral cancer screen and we will report back to you if we spot anything suspicious or different about the soft tissues in the mouth.

What is mouth cancer screening?

Mouth cancer screening is a short procedure that involves a thorough examination of your mouth and neck to identify any concerning symptoms that may require further investigation. During the examination, we will look for evidence of the following:

• White or red patches in the mouth.
• Sores or ulcers that don’t appear to be healing.
• Lumps and swelling in the mouth, head or neck.
• Difficulty in chewing or moving your tongue or jaw.
• A hoarse voice or persistent sore throat.
• Swelling that has rendered your dentures uncomfortable.

What to expect from a mouth cancer screening appointment

At all examinations, we will ask you if you have any symptoms that concern you, whether you’ve been experiencing any persistent mouth pain, toothache and about your lifestyle and general health.

Following this, we will feel the lymph nodes under your jaw and along the neck to check for any enlarged lymph nodes. We will then look inside the mouth, checking the lips, gums, roof of the mouth, back of the throat and cheeks we will ask you to stick your tongue out, move it to the right and the left. This is to ensure we have examined all the soft tissues for any signs of mouth cancer.

If we see an ulcer we may wish to see you again in a few weeks to check it has healed. If there is anything we feel needs further investigation, we will refer you on to the hospital. This may not be anything serious, but the investigation can serve as peace of mind and a means to obtaining a diagnosis.

Why mouth cancer screening appointments?

We carry out mouth cancer screens at examinations so that we can spot any changes to the soft tissues as early as possible. Early detection of oral cancer leads to a better success rate when treatment is carried out. When caught early, a large majority of patients make a full recovery.

Our team are compassionate and understand that a referral for further investigation can make patients anxious. Rest assured, you’re in the experienced hands of people who will support you, whatever the outcome of your appointment.

We can help you improve your lifestyle and daily routine by pointing you in the direction of professional support to quit or reduce habits which increase mouth cancer risks, such as smoking and alcohol intake. It’s never too late to cultivate better habits, and perhaps most importantly, please remember you are never alone.