Cancer Screening
Protecting Your Health with Routine Mouth Cancer Screening in Harpenden
At Wayside Dental Practice in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, we’re committed to more than just your smile. Our comprehensive dental check-ups include oral cancer screening—a vital, quick, and non-invasive examination that could potentially save your life.
Oral cancer, or mouth cancer, can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, and our dentists are uniquely placed to spot the warning signs during your regular appointments.
What Is Mouth Cancer Screening?
Mouth cancer screening is a clinical examination where your dentist checks for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The screening is painless and only takes a few minutes but can have a life-changing impact. It typically includes:
- A visual inspection of your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth
- Checking for unusual lumps, swelling, patches, or ulcers
- Palpation of your jaw and neck for any abnormalities
At Wayside Dental Practice, this screening is part of your routine dental examination.
Who Performs the Screening?
Our experienced dentists are all trained to identify early signs of oral cancer. All general dentists receive oral pathology and cancer detection training as part of their dental degree. At Wayside Dental, our team stays current through ongoing professional development and oral cancer detection workshops, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
What Happens During Cancer Screening at Wayside Dental?
When you come in for a check-up, your dentist will:
- Ask about any symptoms you may have noticed (e.g. persistent ulcers, hoarseness, or unexplained lumps)
- Visually inspect your mouth and throat
- Gently feel your neck, jaw, and oral tissues to detect abnormalities
- Advise you on next steps if anything suspicious is found (such as a referral to a specialist)
Screening is quick, comfortable, and carried out with care and sensitivity.
Why Choose a Dentist for Cancer Screening?
- Convenience: Cancer screening is included in your regular dental check-up—no need for a separate appointment.
- Early detection: Dentists see your mouth more frequently than GPs, making them well-positioned to spot issues early.
- Peace of mind: Regular screening helps ensure that any issues are caught early, often before symptoms appear.
- Expertise: Dentists are trained to recognise subtle changes in the soft tissues of the mouth and neck.
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening at Wayside Dental
- Located conveniently in Harpenden, serving nearby areas such as St Albans, Redbourn, Wheathampstead, and Kimpton
- State-of-the-art diagnostic tools
- Caring, professional team focused on preventative care
- Comfortable, private treatment rooms
- Part of your routine check-up
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include persistent mouth ulcers, red or white patches, lumps in the mouth or neck, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained bleeding or numbness. If you notice anything unusual lasting more than three weeks, see your dentist or GP.
We recommend screening at every routine dental check-up, usually every 6 months.
No, the screening is completely painless. It involves a visual and manual examination of your mouth and neck and usually takes under 5 minutes.
Risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, overexposure to the sun (lip cancer), and being over 40 years old. However, oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why regular screening is important.
If we detect anything suspicious, we’ll explain our findings clearly and refer you to a specialist consultant for further testing, usually via your GP or local NHS services. Early referral can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.
Book Your Cancer Screening in Harpenden Today
Your oral health is our top priority. At Wayside Dental Practice, we believe that prevention is better than cure. With our comprehensive mouth cancer screening as part of your check-up, you can feel confident that your dental visits are protecting more than just your smile.
Located in Harpenden – easy access from St Albans, Redbourn, and surrounding areas
Call us now on 01582 712 470
Or book your appointment online
