CANCER DETECTION
Cancer of the mouth is the 16th most common cancer in the UK with nearly 7000 cases diagnosed per year. Although tobacco and alcohol is the most likely cause of mouth cancer, it can also be caused by viruses or even in the absence of any known cause at all. It can often be painful and not easily visible to the patient as can occur far back in the mouth or under the tongue. This means that regular checks with a clinician who know how to detect it is an essential habit to get into. Sometimes it is noticeable by patients in the form of a crusty, rough ulcer that doesn’t seem to be healing. An unexplained lump in the neck or odd sensations of numbness can also be indicative signs. If you become aware of any of these type of things it is essential that you see an expert as a matter of urgency. Our experts know how to recognise mouth cancer by looking for the indicative signs and taking small samples to examine under a microscope for a definitive
diagnosis. The screening kits we use are also useful. Although it is essential for patients to be regularly screened for mouth cancer, it is also most important to be mindful that there are a lot of oral conditions that may look like cancer but are most definitely not. It is fair to assume that you do not have oral cancer and our clinicians are here to reassure you rather than concern you in the greatest majority of cases.
diagnosis. The screening kits we use are also useful. Although it is essential for patients to be regularly screened for mouth cancer, it is also most important to be mindful that there are a lot of oral conditions that may look like cancer but are most definitely not. It is fair to assume that you do not have oral cancer and our clinicians are here to reassure you rather than concern you in the greatest majority of cases.
