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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Fishers Glen
An oral cancer check looks for patches, lumps or sores worth a closer look. Fishers Glen patients can learn what is examined and what to report in Port Dover.
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Caring for Fishers Glen patients at our Port Dover office
See every service for Fishers GlenA careful look at the soft tissues
Early changes in the mouth are often painless and easy to miss.
Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor and roof of the mouth, throat and neck. The dentist looks and feels for patches, lumps, ulcers or areas that look or feel different from normal tissue. Most findings turn out to be harmless, but checking regularly helps catch changes early, when further assessment is most useful.
Screening is typically part of routine exams at our Port Dover office, but Fishers Glen patients can also call if they notice a sore, lump or patch that has not healed. Describing how long it has been there and whether it has changed helps the dentist decide on next steps.
Risk factors
Anyone can be affected, but some factors raise the risk.
Lifestyle factors
Tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco, is a major risk factor. Heavy alcohol use increases risk further, especially when combined with smoking. Prolonged sun exposure without lip protection is linked to lip cancers. These risks are worth discussing openly with the dentist, without worrying about being judged. Honest answers help.
Other contributors
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is associated with some cancers at the back of the mouth and throat. Age, a weakened immune system and a previous history of oral cancer also play a role. Some people with no known risk factors still develop oral cancer, which is why regular screening is recommended for everyone, not just those at higher risk.
What to watch for
Know which changes to report.
Changes you might notice
Look out for sores or ulcers that do not heal within about two weeks, white or red patches, lumps or thickened areas, numbness, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or chewing, a feeling that something is caught in the throat, or ear pain on one side without another explanation. Many of these have harmless causes, but they should be checked.
When to call promptly
If a change lasts more than a couple of weeks or seems to be growing, call the dental office or your physician rather than waiting for your next routine checkup. Note when you first noticed it, whether it is painful and any changes in size or colour. Photos taken over several days can sometimes help show how an area is changing.
The screening
The exam is quick and usually painless.
Visual and physical check
The dentist looks carefully at the inside of your lips and cheeks, the top, bottom and sides of your tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth and the back of your throat. Gauze may be used to gently hold your tongue to see the sides. The dentist may feel the tissues with gloved fingers to check for lumps or areas of firmness.
Neck and lymph nodes
The dentist may also feel the sides of your neck and under your jaw for enlarged lymph nodes. If you wear dentures, you will be asked to remove them so the tissues underneath can be examined. The whole process typically takes only a few minutes and is often done during your routine checkup. Ask questions anytime.
If something is found
A finding does not necessarily mean cancer.
Monitoring or further tests
Many changes in the mouth are caused by irritation, infection or minor injuries and heal on their own. The dentist may ask you to return in a week or two to see whether an area has improved. If the area is suspicious or does not heal, further assessment such as a biopsy may be recommended to determine what it is.
Referral and follow-up
When needed, the dentist will refer you to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or an ear, nose and throat doctor, for further evaluation. Keep all follow-up appointments, and let the dentist know if symptoms change. Early assessment gives the best opportunity for effective treatment if a problem is found. Ask how results will be shared.
Planning your appointment
Screening for Fishers Glen patients.
Oral cancer screening is part of routine exams at our Port Dover office. If you notice a sore, lump or patch that has not healed within about two weeks, call to arrange an assessment.
Let the dentist know about tobacco or alcohol use, any previous oral lesions and when you first noticed the area of concern.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Oral cancer screening questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How often should I be screened?
Screening is usually part of every routine dental exam. People with higher risk factors may benefit from closer monitoring. If you notice a change between visits, call the office rather than waiting for your next scheduled checkup.
Does the screening hurt?
No. The screening involves looking at and gently feeling the tissues of your mouth and neck. It is quick and generally painless. Let the dentist know if any area is tender during the examination. Dentures come out first.
What if the dentist finds something?
Most findings are harmless. The dentist may monitor the area or recommend further tests, such as a biopsy, if it looks suspicious or does not heal. You may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and care.
Can I check my own mouth at home?
Yes. Look at your lips, gums, tongue and cheeks in good light every so often. Note any sores, patches or lumps that do not heal within about two weeks, and report them to the dentist or your physician.
Do I need screening if I wear dentures?
Yes. People without natural teeth still need regular checks of their soft tissues. Remove your dentures during the exam so the dentist can see the tissues underneath, which can be irritated by an ill-fitting denture.
Part of your regular care
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