Oral Cancer Screening

Importance of Oral Cancer Screening

At Dental Care Centre, your health is our top priority, and as part of our comprehensive examinations, we perform oral cancer screenings. Throughout your ongoing care, any soft tissue changes are evaluated closely. Oral cancer screenings are a requirement, routine, and potentially lifesaving.

Some Facts:

Early detection of Oral Cancer gives you a 90% chance of survival.
The early stages of Oral Cancer can look like mouth ulcer.
Over 25% of Oral Cancer sufferers are non-smokers.

What exactly is Cancer?

Cancer is a disorder of the cells in the body. It occurs when the body’s normal cells begin to proliferate in an uncontrolled manner. Such cells may invade or cause damage to nearby tissue, or spread to other body areas, causing additional harm.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is also called mouth cancer. It is a cancer that can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the gums, cheeks, palate (roof of the mouth), tongue, lips, sinuses, and pharynx (throat).

What is the cause of Oral Cancer?

The exact reason for why a cell becomes cancerous remains unclear. It is thought that something alters or damages certain genes in the cell, causing it to become abnormal and begin proliferating.

For most people, there’s no cause identifiable in a regular sense for oral cancer to harm them. Nevertheless, several factors may increase the odds of someone contracting the disease. These include:

Smoking. There is a much higher occurrence of oral cancer in smokers than in non-smokers.
Excessive or frequent consumption of alcohol.
Chewing tobacco.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.
Extended sun exposure to the area around your mouth, including your lips, without the use of a broad spectrum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen.

A common symptom of oral cancer is an ulcer or sore in the oral cavity that does not heal, and pain in the oral cavity that does not go away. Often, changes in the mouth will be observed before cancer develops. This means that early diagnosis of those changes can help prevent a cancer from forming.

Possible symptoms:

A sore or ulcer that does not heal and/or bleeds easily.
A blood blister that does not heal.
White or red patches anywhere in the mouth (leukoplakia and erythroplakia).
A thick or hard lump on the lip, tongue or in the mouth or throat, what may or may not be painful.
Unusual bleeding or numbness anywhere in the mouth.
Pain when chewing or swallowing.
A feeling that something is caught in the throat.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, be diligent and contact us for additional tests. Keep in mind that early diagnosis will help prevent cancer, so if you think you may have any symptoms, it’s important to act as quickly as possible.

Other dental conditions with similar symptoms

Other dental conditions can have similar symptoms, particularly if there is chafing in the mouth, such as that caused by dentures, metal braces or a mouth guard. Infections can also cause swelling and bleeding in the mouth unrelated to cancer. Having your symptoms checked through an oral cancer screening will enable you to receive early intervention, whether it is for another dental condition or cancer.

Causes of oral cancer

Risk factors are considered when evaluating causes of oral cancer. People at a higher risk of developing oral cancer may:

Have a genetic predisposition to abnormal cancerous cell growth.
Have high exposure to the sun or UV due to artificial tanning, which has damaged lip and skin tissue.
Smoke or chew tobacco that damages oral cell tissue.
Excessively drink alcohol, which damages oral cell tissue and the liver.
Follow an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, which weakens their immunity and healthy cell growth.

Prognosis, treatment and prevention of oral cancer

In the UK about 4,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer and around 50% die as a result. Oral cancer is usually treated with radiation or chemotherapy, and abnormal cancerous growths can spread through the body if not caught early. Having regular dental check-ups allows your dentists to monitor oral health for the signs of cancerous growth, to ensure you can receive the treatment you need – people can have oral cancer and not know it. Other preventative measures include:

Being screened during a physical examination and having a biopsy taken to detect cancer.
Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, sunburn and the use of artificial tanning devices.
Not smoking or chewing tobacco.
Moderating alcohol consumption.
Regular exercise and a nutritious diet..
A healthy lifestyle.

Other General Dental Treatments

PREVENTIVE CARE

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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

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BONDING

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FLEXIBLE DENTURES

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BRIDGES

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MOUTHGUARDS

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FILLINGS

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CROWNS

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ALL-ON-4 IMPLANTS

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ORTHODONTICS

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DENTURE STABILISATION

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HYGIENIST

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ORAL CANCER SCREENING

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AIR ABRASION

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CHILDRENS DENTISTRY

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3391

5000

Implants Completed

1000

Invisalign Cases Completed

Floors Dental Super Clinic

6358

30000

Patients Treated

9677

10000

Hygienist Appointments Completed

Awards and Accreditations

Smile Gallery

Invisalign adults

Invisalign children

Implant & reconstructive

Veneers

Patient Stories

Dentist Near You

If you require local dentist in London or any type of private or NHS dental treatment in New Cross, Aldgate,Battersea,Bow,Bromley,Camden Town,Canary Wharf,Catford,Charing Cross,Finchley,Finsbury,Anerley,Angel,Barbican,Bellingham,Bermondsey,Blackheath,Brockley,Camberwell,Charlton,Chinatown,Clapham,Covent Garden,Crofton Park,Crystal Palace,Deptford,Downham,Dulwich,Eden Park,Elephant and Castle,Eltham,Fitzrovia,Forest Hill,Fulham,Gipsy Hill,Greenwich,Grove Park,Hackney, Hammersmith,Herne Hill,Hither Green,Holborn,King's Cross,Kennington,Kentish Town,Kensington,Knightsbridge,Ladywell,Lee Green,Lewisham,Limehouse,Marylebone,Mayfair,Mile End,Millbank,Millwall,Mottingham,Notting Hill,Nunhead,Oval,Paddington,Parsons Green,Peckham,Penge,Perry Vale,Pimlico,Plumbstead,Poplar,Primrose Hill,Putney,Rotherhithe,Rushey Green,Shepherd’s Bush,Shooters Hill,Shoreditch,Sidcup,Soho,St Johns,Streatham,Surrey Docks,Sydenham,Thornton Heath,Tooting,Tulse Hill,Vauxhall,Wembley,Westminster,Wimbledon,Woolwich contact the Dental Care Centre today.

Testimonials

I have been with this dental practice for the past 10 years and have always received excellent care from my dentist Dr. Prasad. I would recommend this dental practice. Friendly service and a dentist who cares for his patients’ dental health .

Undine S.

Had an appointment with Dr Romain Prassad today what a lovely and kind dentist really put me at ease and is doing everything he can to help save my tooth thankyou so much ☺️

Tor M.

I would really recommend this Dental Practice. Dr Kolar is a very attentive dentist who cares about the you as a person as well as about the health of your teeth and gums. He takes time to explain the processes he is leading you through, explains how your dental health has progressed over time and encourages you to take care of your teeth. For the first time in my life I look forward to coming to the dentist!

Toby R.

I have been registered at this dental practice now, for just over 15 years. Throughout that whole period, I have been lucky enough to have been looked after by the wonderful, and patient, Dr Prasad. He has covered many procedures in my mouth, from extraction, and root canal, right up to the most recent procedure, Composite bonding of my broken two front teeth. Do not hesitate to register at this practise, as you will be looked after with care and consideration.

Thank you Dr Prasao

Suzanne L.

Very friendly

During the lockdown period I was able to see Dr Irfan for a dental emergency I had. I’m so grateful that they have been available throughout this. Gillian the practice manager contacted me and offered me an appointment the same day. I am a long standing patient at this practice and cannot thank them enough for great service they have provided to me throughout the years. Great dentist, staff and management. Thank you all so much.

Susan L.

The Dental Care Center has been an excellent dentist surgery that I have been attending as a patient for many years. When I was young I didn’t have a pleasant experience with my local dentist on more than one occasion. I found the dentist at new cross dental care center very reassuring and comforting. The management and reception were also very welcoming.

Stewart S.

Really efficient service and friendly helpful staff, clean and fresh environment

Stephanie P.

Great desk staff and Dentists. Excellent with young children.

Spencer M.

Brilliant service from Dr Mansi Patel – she ensured I was well informed regarding my dental issues and spent a whole consultation discussing my dental history and reviewing my previous scans. She provided the means to communicate out of hours, if I had any further queries. She demonstrated empathy and encouraged collaborative decision making throughout. This is a refreshing approach, speaking from someone who’s a healthcare professional. Would recommend!

Sonia M.

I had a wonderful experience at Dental Care Centre. Dr Mani Nasir is fantastic, he listened to me, had my best interests at heart and delivered excellent and professional care. Dr Mani & his nurse Kawtar are an amazing team! I also felt very safe with the measures the practice has put in place in light of covid-19. Thank you!