Oral Cancer Screening In Downtown Vancouver, BC

Oral Cancer Screening Near You

If you are concerned about changes in your mouth or just want to have good oral health, then oral cancer screening is an important step in your journey. At Key Dental Clinic, we provide professional oral cancer screening in Downtown Vancouver to find any early signs of oral cancer. Not only can early detection make treatment easier, but it can also help protect your overall health. Dr. Alavian and the rest of our team of dentists are particularly focused on treating patients with gentle and thorough care to ensure that they feel comfortable, informed, and well cared for at each step of their journey with us.

What is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a visit where we look for mouth cancer early. During the exam, our dentists look for signs of cancer or changes that could lead to cancer in your mouth and throat. The earlier we detect these problems, the more comfortable and effective treatment can potentially be.

At Key Dental Clinic, we truly value personal health. This is why we will examine every patient for oral cancer in each appointment. Oral cancer screening near you could save your life from a problem today before things gets worse.

Why Do You Need Oral Cancer Screening?

Although oral cancer can happen to anyone, there are some individuals who are at greater risk. You should get oral cancer screening in Downtown Vancouver if you:

  • Use tobacco products like cigarettes or chewing tobacco
  • Drink alcohol often
  • Having too much sun exposure on your lips
  • Have HPV (human papillomavirus)
  • Are over 40 years old
  • Have a family history of cancer

Even if you do not have any of these factors, screening is still an important part of your oral health care. Regular screening helps to identify issues early when they are more treatable.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

You should be aware that you should consult with a dentist near you if you have:

  • A sore in your mouth that does not heal after two weeks
  • Red or white patches on your gingiva, tongue, or lining of your mouth
  • Abnormal lumps or thick spots in your mouth or neck
  • Pain when you want to swallow or chew
  • A sensation as if something is stuck in your throat
  • A change in your voice
  • Loose teeth for no reason
  • Unresolved pain in your ear

Do not hesitate to consult if you have one of these signs. Early treatment works much better than waiting.

Oral Cancer Screening Procedure

  1. Initial Consultation
    When you come to our clinic for your oral cancer screening, you will be greeted by a smiling member of our team who will bring you in and make sure you are comfortable. Dr. Alavian will detail the hows and whys so you are prepared for what is to come.
  2. Visual Examination
    The examination begins with a visual inspection of the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat. Our dentist Downtown Vancouver looks for sores, red or white areas, and anything else that looks atypical.
  3. Physical Examination
    Next, Dr. Alavian will gently feel the tissues inside your mouth and around your neck to check for lumps, swelling, or other irregularities that may not be seen easily.
  4. Specialized Tools
    In some instances, we may use specialized lights or dyes to assist in highlighting areas of concern. These additional elements help us discover issues that we would otherwise not be able to detect.
  5. Follow-Up
    When we find something of concern, we will explain the situation and outline options for next steps. Next steps could include further testing or a referral to a specialist for a biopsy.

This process is quick, safe, and can be lifesaving.

How Often Should You Get Screened?

Generally, adults should get an oral cancer screening near you once every year as part of a routine dental check. If you have any of the risk factors we previously mentioned, Dr. Alavian may prefer to see you every 6 months.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today

If you notice any changes in your mouth between visits, don’t wait for your next appointment. Call us today at (672)-212-875 to schedule an exam. You can also visit us at 1680 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1V9, Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does oral cancer screening hurt?

No, an oral cancer screening should not hurt any more than looking in someone’s mouth and gently feeling the neck and jaw area. Most find it quite comfortable.

How long does an oral cancer screening take?

The oral cancer screening Downtown Vancouver usually takes about 5-10 minutes. It’s often done as part of your regular dental cleaning and check-up, so it doesn’t add much time to your visit.

What happens if the dentist finds something suspicious?

If we notice something amiss, we will likely refer you to a specialist for further investigation. Most suspicious-looking areas turn out to be nothing scary, and it is essential to investigate.

Can I do an oral cancer screening at home?

You should regularly check your own mouth at home, but a thorough and complete check by a dentist is better than random looks at home. A dentist is trained to detect items of concern, knows where to look, and can use dental features that help detect issues you may have missed.