Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a serious health concern. Being diagnosed with oral cancer may sound scary, but the good news is that if caught at early stages, treatment chances improve significantly. At Smile Avenue Dentistry, we notice and value the importance of regular screening for early diagnosis. Our team in North York is committed to detecting potential issues before they progress, ensuring your oral health.

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What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to a cancerous growth of cells that begins in the mouth, including various tissues such as the tongue, lips, gums, or the back of the throat. While it may be a scary diagnosis, it is important to know the facts. Research shows that early detection can increase survival rates to over 80 percent. However, because early stages often don’t cause pain, many people do not realize anything is wrong until the condition has progressed. This is why regular screenings are so critical, especially for those who smoke or are over 40.

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How is Early Oral Cancer Detected?

The screening process is quick and painless. We perform a thorough visual and physical inspection of your entire mouth.

Visual inspection: We look for any unusual patches, such as leukoplakia (white spots) or erythroplakia (red spots), that could signify pre-cancerous lesions.

Professional screening: In some cases, we use specialized intraoral cameras and digital intraoral photos that help us see changes in the soft tissues, especially ones not visible to the naked eye.

Physical exam: We gently examine the tissues inside your mouth and check the lymph nodes in your neck and jaw for any unusual lumps or swelling.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Understanding the risk is the first step toward prevention. While oral cancer can occur to anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood:

Heavy or long-term use of cigarettes.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Smoking and drinking together, which significantly raises the risk.
Exposure to HPV, which is a growing cause of cancer in the back of the throat.
Too much sun exposure on the lips without protection.

Signs & Symptoms

During your visits to our North York office, please let us know if you notice any of the following:

Sores that haven’t healed within two weeks.
Persistent lumps or thickened areas in the cheek or neck.
Difficulty swallowing or a feeling like something is stuck in your throat.
Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth.

Where Does Oral Cancer Occur?

Cancer can develop in various parts of the oral cavity, including:

The sides and underside of the tongue.
The floor of the mouth under the tongue.
The soft palate at the back of the mouth.
The lining of the cheeks and the gums.
The lips and the salivary glands.

Oral Cancer Screening, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Screening: Your First Line of Defense

During your regular exam, we check your mouth, tongue, and throat to look for any changes in the tissue. This process is fast and painless, designed to catch problems before they ever cause pain. By making this a part of your routine care in North York, we ensure that nothing remains unnoticed.

Diagnosis: Getting the Right Answers

If we find a spot that looks unusual, there is no need to panic. The next step is simply getting more information. We might perform a brush biopsy, which is a painless way to collect cells for testing. In other cases, we may refer you to a specialist for a more detailed look. Our goal is to move quickly so you have a clear answer and an action plan within days, not weeks.

Treatment: Moving Forward with Confidence

The treatment for oral cancer depends entirely on how early it is caught. It often involves minor surgery to remove the affected tissue, or in some cases, radiation therapy. By the way, the action plan varies case by case. Because we focus heavily on early detection at Smile Avenue Dentistry, treatments are often less invasive than they would be at later stages. We stay by your side through the entire process, coordinating with specialists to make sure you get the best possible care.

Dr. Firouzeh Zolfagharirad

Dr. Firouzeh Zolfagharirad is a highly experienced general dentist with over 25 years of clinical practice, dedicated to delivering compassionate, personalized dental care to patients of all ages at Smile Avenue Dentistry. She is committed to patient education and comfort, helping individuals feel confident and informed about their treatment options. Dr. Zolfagharirad is an active member of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), and the Ontario Dental Association (ODA), and brings a gentle, patient-first approach to every visit.

Opt for an Early Oral Cancer Screening in North York for Quick Prevention

Your health is the most valuable asset you own. Regular checkups and screenings are vital for early diagnosis and the following steps. At Smile Avenue Dentistry, we make these vital screenings easy and accessible.

Call us today at 416-250-5354 to book your next exam. It only takes a few minutes, but it could protect your health for a lifetime.