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Oral Cancer Screening in La Salette
An oral cancer screening looks for unusual changes in the mouth and throat. La Salette patients can learn what is checked and which signs to report.
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Caring for La Salette patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for La SaletteA careful look at soft tissue
Screening helps catch unusual changes while they are small.
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate and throat. Early changes are often painless and easy to overlook. A screening involves looking at and feeling these tissues to identify anything unusual that may need closer evaluation. Most findings turn out to be harmless.
Screening is typically included in dental exams at our Port Dover office, and La Salette patients can also call to report a specific concern. If something unusual is found, the dentist will explain the next steps, which may include monitoring or referral for further assessment.
Know the signs
Some changes deserve prompt attention.
Changes inside the mouth
Watch for sores that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches, lumps, thickened areas or rough spots. Changes may appear on the tongue, gums, cheeks or floor of the mouth. Bleeding without an obvious cause or numbness in part of the mouth should also be reported.
Other symptoms worth reporting
Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, ear pain on one side or a lump in the neck may also warrant evaluation. These symptoms have many causes, most of them not cancer, but they should be checked rather than ignored.
Risk factors
Knowing your risk helps guide vigilance.
Tobacco, alcohol and sun exposure
Tobacco use in any form and heavy alcohol consumption are among the strongest risk factors, especially in combination. Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer, which is worth keeping in mind for people who spend long hours working or playing outdoors. Using lip balm with sunscreen can help protect the lips.
HPV and other factors
Certain types of human papillomavirus are linked to some throat cancers. Age, a weakened immune system and previous oral cancer can also increase risk. However, oral cancer can occur in people without obvious risk factors, which is why routine screening is valuable for everyone.
The screening
Screening is quick and usually painless.
Visual and physical examination
The dentist looks at your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, palate and throat, using a light and mirror. The tongue may be gently held to see its sides and underside. The dentist also feels the jaw and neck for lumps or swollen lymph nodes. The process takes only a few minutes.
Discussing findings
If everything looks normal, screening continues at future checkups. If a change is found, the dentist will describe it, explain possible causes and recommend next steps. Many changes are caused by irritation, infection or harmless conditions, but some need further investigation.
Follow-up
Follow-up depends on what is found.
Monitoring a small change
For some changes, the dentist may suggest removing a possible source of irritation, such as a sharp tooth edge, and re-checking the area in a couple of weeks. Keep this appointment. If the change resolves, no further action may be needed. If it persists, additional evaluation is usually recommended.
Referral for further testing
When a change looks suspicious or does not resolve, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for evaluation, which may include a biopsy. Referral does not mean cancer has been diagnosed. It means further testing is needed to understand what the change is.
Planning your appointment
Screening appointments for La Salette patients.
Oral cancer screening is part of regular exams at our Port Dover office. If you notice a sore, lump or patch that has lasted more than two weeks, call and describe it.
Let the team know about tobacco use, alcohol intake and any previous history of oral lesions so they have full context.
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.
Is oral cancer screening painful?
No. Screening involves looking at and gently feeling the tissues of your mouth, jaw and neck. It takes only a few minutes and is usually part of a regular dental exam.
How often should I be screened?
Screening is commonly done at routine dental checkups. People with higher risk may need closer monitoring. The dentist will advise based on your history and risk factors.
What if the dentist finds something unusual?
Most findings are not cancer. The dentist may monitor the area, remove an irritant or refer you for further evaluation. Follow-up is important to understand the cause.
Can non-smokers get oral cancer?
Yes. While tobacco and alcohol increase risk, oral cancer can occur in people without these risk factors. HPV and other factors are also associated with some cases.
Should I wait until my next checkup to report a sore?
If a sore, lump or patch lasts more than two weeks or you notice other concerning symptoms, call the office rather than waiting. Early evaluation is helpful.
Where screening fits into your care
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