More than 6,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with oral cancer every year and the numbers are growing year on year.
One of the major issues with oral cancer is that many people are unaware of the symptoms and this means that the majority of cases are not diagnosed at an early stage. This is why oral cancer screening and regular dental checks are so important.
What happens during screening?
Oral cancer screening is fast and painless – we will simply use a high-tech instrument to examine your mouth and check for signs of abnormal tissue or changes in your mouth. This technology allows us to see changes not visible to the naked eye. The test only lasts a couple of minutes and we will also have a little chat with you about the causes and symptoms of oral cancer so you can keep an eye out for possible warning signs.
About oral cancer
Oral cancer affects the soft tissues in the mouth and the most common symptoms include mouth ulcers or sores that take longer than 2-3 weeks to heal, red or white patches in the mouth and abnormal lumps in the mouth or throat. Additional symptoms may include a persistent sore throat and hoarseness.
The main risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol, a poor diet lacking in nutrients and HPV infection. HPV (human papilloma virus) is spread through sexual contact and it is also a risk factor for cervical cancer.
If you would like to find out more about oral cancer or arrange a screening check, call the practice today in the heart of Liverpool.
Tags: Mouth cancer Liverpool, mouth cancer screening, Oral cancer screening, Oral cancer screening Liverpool
