The Essential Fact: Mouth cancer cases in the UK have risen by 38% in the last decade. At Middlewich Street Dental Practice, Dr. Scott Hall (GDC 114246) and our clinical team perform a life-saving oral cancer screening as a standard part of every routine dental examination.
What is Mouth Cancer?
Mouth cancer (oral cancer) occurs when cells on the tongue, gums, lips, or cheek lining grow abnormally. According to the Oral Health Foundation, over 10,800 people in the UK are diagnosed annually. Because mouth cancer is often painless in its early stages, professional screenings are the most effective way to detect the disease before it spreads.
What are the Symptoms of Mouth Cancer?
To help our patients in Crewe identify risks early, we advise looking for these “Three Rs”:
- Red or White Patches: Any unusual patches in the mouth that don’t go away.
- Rough Lumps: Persistent swellings or thickened areas on the lips, gums, or tongue.
- Residual Ulcers: A mouth sore or ulcer that has not healed within three weeks.
Our Screening Process at Middlewich Street Dental
During your routine examination at our Crewe practice, we perform a comprehensive “Soft Tissue Check.” This is a quick, painless process where we:
- Visually Inspect: We examine the tongue, palate, and floor of the mouth using high-quality clinical lighting.
- Physically Check: We gently feel the neck and jawline for unusual lumps or lymph node changes.
- Review History: We discuss lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV history.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I have a mouth cancer screening? You should be screened at least once every six months during your routine dental check-up. At Middlewich Street Dental Practice, this screening is included as standard for all patients to ensure total peace of mind.
2. Can a dentist detect mouth cancer before I feel pain? Yes. Dentists are trained to identify subtle changes in the mouth’s lining and tissues that are often invisible or painless to the patient. Early detection by a professional like Dr. Scott Hall significantly increases the survival rate to over 90%.
3. Is a mouth cancer screening painful or invasive? No, the screening is completely painless and non-invasive. It involves a visual inspection and a gentle physical check of your neck and jaw. It usually takes less than two minutes during your regular appointment.
4. What increases the risk of developing oral cancer? The primary risk factors include tobacco use (smoking or chewing), excessive alcohol consumption, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). However, up to 25% of cases occur in patients with no known risk factors, which is why regular screenings are vital for everyone.
5. What should I do if I find a lump or an ulcer that won’t heal? If you have a mouth sore, ulcer, or lump that has lasted for more than three weeks, you should book an urgent consultation. Early intervention is critical; please contact our team in Crewe at 01270 584776 for an assessment.
6. Does mouth cancer only affect smokers? No. While smoking is a major risk factor, there is a growing number of cases linked to HPV and other environmental factors. Mouth cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their age or lifestyle habits.
Author: Dr. Scott Hall, GDC No: 114246
Practice: Middlewich Street Dental Practice
Location: 50-52 Middlewich Street, Crewe, CW1 4DA
Website: middlewichstreetdental.com
