Oral Cancer Screening in Aurora

What it is

Oral cancer can start on the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, gums or palate, and related cancers can form at the back of the throat. In its early stages it often does not hurt. A patch may look like a canker sore or a bit of irritation from a sharp tooth. That is why a trained eye matters, and why a sore that hangs around deserves attention.

An oral cancer exam is simple. Your dentist looks at every surface inside your mouth with a light and a small mirror, gently lifts and holds your tongue to see its sides and underside, and feels along your jaw and neck for lumps or swollen glands. They also look at your lips and face. The whole thing takes a few minutes and is woven into your checkup.

Finding something does not mean you have cancer. Most spots turn out to be irritation, an infection, a bite injury or a harmless growth. Often your dentist will remove the likely cause, such as a rough filling edge, and ask to see the spot again in about two weeks. If it has not healed, or if it has features that need a closer look, they will explain why and refer you for further tests, which may include a small tissue sample called a biopsy.

Your part matters too. The Canadian Dental Association suggests checking your mouth regularly and reporting any change to your dentist right away. A mouth cancer check at home takes a minute in front of a bathroom mirror.

Is it right for me?

• Everyone benefits from a regular screening, starting in adulthood.
• You smoke, chew tobacco, or used to.
• You drink alcohol often, especially together with smoking.
• You are over 40, when risk starts to rise.
• You spend a lot of time outdoors, which affects the lips.
• You have a sore, patch or lump in your mouth that has lasted more than two weeks.

Step by step

1. Health questionsYour dentist asks about tobacco, alcohol and any new symptoms such as a sore throat, hoarseness or numbness.
2. Face, lips and neckYour dentist looks at your face and lips and feels along your jaw and the sides of your neck for lumps.
3. Inside the mouthThe cheeks, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat are checked with a light. Your tongue is gently held to see its sides and underside.
4. Findings explainedIf everything looks normal, you hear that right away. If something looks unusual, your dentist tells you what it may be and what the next step is.
5. Follow-up if neededThat could be a recheck in about two weeks or a referral for further tests. We help you understand the referral and what to ask.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

The screening is done during your dental exam rather than as a separate appointment. What you pay depends on the type of exam you have that day and any X-rays, priced with reference to the Ontario Dental Association fee guide. Most insurance plans cover exams, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP include them for eligible people. We bill all insurance plans directly. If you have no coverage, ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. If you are referred for further tests, the office you are referred to will explain its own fees and coverage.

What shapes your estimate

• Whether the screening is done during a complete, routine or specific exam
• Whether X-rays are taken at the same visit
• Any further tests, which are arranged and billed separately by the office you are referred to

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Check your mouth regularly in good light: lips, gums, cheeks, both sides and under the tongue, and the roof of the mouth.
• Call us if a sore, white or red patch, lump or numb area lasts more than two weeks.
• If you smoke, ask us about support to quit. Cutting back on alcohol also lowers risk.
• Use a lip balm with sunscreen when you are outdoors for long periods.

Questions