A Simple Screening Could Save Your London Life

A Simple Screening Could Save Your London Life

12 / 05 / 2014

It sounds rather dramatic to say that a trip to the dentist could save your life, but the reality is that this could be true. With oral cancer screening, we are able to spot the very early warning signs of mouth cancer and this means that the disease can be treated at the best possible time, when the chances of survival are high. We look out for any potential signs of danger during a routine check-up and we also offer screening services. We strongly advise all our patients to keep up to date with their check-ups, as they really can make a difference to your health.

About oral cancer

Oral cancer is a form of cancer, which has become more common in the UK; over the last ten years, the number of people affected by this disease has nearly doubled. One of the main problems with oral cancer is that most cases are currently diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment is less likely to be successful because there is a risk that cancer has already spread. The concern is that many people are still unaware of the symptoms of mouth cancer because it does not have the same media profile as other types of cancer, such as prostate and breast cancer.

The symptoms of mouth cancer include a persistent cough, ulcers that take a long time to heal (more than 2 weeks), the appearance of red or white patches and any abnormal lumps or areas of swollen tissue in the mouth or throat. Some of these symptoms are very general and it’s very likely that there will be nothing to worry about, but getting checked out is always a good idea. Early diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of survival by 90 per cent, so a screening session or a routine check really could mean the difference between life and death.

What causes mouth cancer?

The main risk factors for mouth cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol on a regular basis and exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV). If you smoke and drink, you are up to 30 times more likely to suffer from mouth cancer than a person who does not smoke or drink alcohol frequently.

To find out more about oral cancer screening, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.