Have you heard of oral cancer? Studies show that up to a quarter of the population is unaware of the existence of this form of cancer. This is staggering, especially if you consider that oral cancer kills more people than testicular and cervical cancer combined. In the last decade, the number of cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK has risen by almost a third. At Harley Street Dental Studio, we’re keen to do our bit to raise awareness of this potentially deadly disease.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a form of cancer that affects the soft tissue in the mouth or throat. Around 7,000 people suffer from oral cancer in the UK each year, yet public awareness of the disease is very low. This means that, sadly, many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage when there is a high risk of cancer spreading and a lower chance of treatment proving successful.

The most common risk factors for oral cancer are smoking and drinking. If you smoke and drink frequently, you’re more than 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer than a non-drinker who doesn’t smoke. Other factors include exposure to the HPV (human papilloma virus) and a poor diet lacking in nutrients.

Spotting the symptoms

Oral cancer can progress quickly, so it’s incredibly beneficial to spot early warning signs. Early diagnosis can increase the chances of survival by up to 90 percent. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Lumps and swelling in the mouth or throat
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Slow-healing ulcers
• Persistent sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Oral pain

Oral cancer screening at Harley Street Dental Studio

We strongly believe that prevention is better than cure and we offer advanced oral cancer screening to ensure that any abnormalities are detected as early as possible. We use a VELscope scanner to identify changes in the tissue, which may indicate a risk of oral cancer. The sooner warning signs are spotted, the higher the chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment.

If you’re interested in oral cancer screening or you’d like more information about the causes or symptoms of oral cancer, don’t hesitate to get in touch!