Chances are you do not have oral cancer, but wouldn’t you like to know for sure? Oral cancer screenings are done at Innovation Dental

Do these images below look familiar to you? Are you experiencing blisters, noticing unusual lumps or bumps, crust formations or white and red areas on the tongue, lips, gums or other area of the mouth that will not go away? These might all be signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Most non-cancerous lesions resolve within 10-14 days. If they do not resolve, you may need a thorough oral cancer screening examination. At innovation dental drive in Vaughan, we have the latest technology in oral cancer screening called the Velscope. Dr. Corey Shulman and Dr. Jennifer Shulman provide cancer screening as part of every initial examination. Whether you are new to the office or are an existing patient, our dentist and hygienist are always checking for any abnormalities at every visit. These lesions can become life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Give us a call today to book your new patient examination and have your oral cancer screening done!

SCREENING AT HOME

Some simple tasks you can add to your daily routine.

• CHEEKS AND LIPS: Pull back both cheeks and lips and check the tissues for any lumps, bumps, white spots, red spots, cracks and blisters.
• TONGUE: Stick out your tongue and check for any abnormalities once again. Don’t forget to check underneath the tongue as well. Note: You can use a piece of tissue to help grab hold of your tongue
• PALATE: Lift your head back and check the roof of your mouth for any abnormalities
• TONSILS AND THROAT: If you have a tongue depressor, that can aid in detection. Stick your tongue out and firmly press down as far back as you can reach. Look at the tonsils and throat for any abnormalities.

REMEMBER: Preventative measures can be life saving.

WHAT DEFINES NORMAL AND ABNORMAL

Most patients ask the question, what exactly am I looking for? We at Innovation Dental in Woodbridge can help you understand the difference between normal and abnormal tissue.

Normal tissue

Normal areas present itself with uniform, symmetrical tissue pattern. Usually pinkish or brown in colour depending on ethnicity.

Abnormal tissue

Abnormal tissue can appear to be different in colour, either white or red areas. They usually come in irregular patterns, although that may not always be the case. Lumps or bumps can also be a sign. Sometimes they can be asymptomatic or symptomatic, therefore pain can not always be a good indicator. Below are some examples of some abnormal tissue patterns:

 

THE VELSCOPE

Here at Innovation Dental serving patients throughout Vaughan, Brampton, Woodbridge and Toronto, use the VELscope screening system which uses fluorescence light in order to enhance any abnormalities in the mouth. Below is a visual to help understand the non-invasive screening procedure.