Oral Cancer Screenings in Vancouver, BC

Oral cancer screenings in Vancouver, BC are simple, but you need to find a dentist near you who can perform them reliably. At The Art Of Smile Dental Clinic, we explain to patients that there’s nothing to worry about. Cancer screenings are recommended by health organizations for optimum health.

Doctors screen for breast, colon, and other types of cancer. At The Art Of Smile Dental Clinic, we can screen for oral cancer in a few minutes. Knowing that there’s a dentist in Vancouver, BC who knows how to perform oral cancer screenings near you should be a source of comfort. Rest assured that the majority of patients have normal screenings. They get to go home and enjoy knowing that their screening went well.

Are You at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Whether or not a person is at risk for oral cancer, they should still keep up with oral cancer screenings. The presence of risk factors makes it more likely that a person will develop a certain condition, but it’s not an absolute requirement.

Smoking is the biggest and most prevalent risk factor for oral cancer. The risk is higher in heavy smokers and those that have been smoking for a long time. Excessive alcohol use is also linked to oral cancer. Certain viruses like HPV can make it more likely for a person to get oral cancer. Finally, you’re at an increased risk if you have a personal or family history of the condition.

How Do We Screen for Oral Cancer?

The goal isn’t just to effectively screen for oral cancer and make sure we don’t miss anything, but it’s also a priority to not disturb the patient or make them uncomfortable. We’ll start the visit by asking you some questions related to your medical history and social habits like smoking. Next, we’ll inspect your oral cavity. Palpation comes next. We’ll feel around different parts of your mouth using our fingers.

Palpation is done gently, and the entire screening only takes a few minutes. We might also need to feel around your neck for any enlarged lymph nodes. If anything worrisome is found, we’ll most likely biopsy it. Otherwise, you’ll be free to go home, and we’ll schedule your next screening.