Have you ever heard of oral cancer? Despite the fact that oral cancer kills more people in the UK than cervical and testicular cancer combined, public awareness of this deadly condition remains relatively low. At Harley Street Dental Studio, we’re on a mission to raise awareness of oral cancer and to encourage our patients to do everything possible to minimise their risk of developing mouth cancer. We offer screening, we’re always here to answer questions and provide advice, and we check for symptoms during routine appointments.

About oral cancer

Oral cancer is a form of cancer that affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat. The most common risk factors are smoking and drinking alcohol, but exposure to the HPV (human papilloma virus) and a poor diet can also elevate the chances of developing oral cancer. Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Abnormal swelling and lumps
• Unexplained oral pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• A persistent sore throat
• Oral sores and ulcers that take a long time to heal

How we check for oral cancer

We provide oral cancer checks as part of our routine dental check-ups, but we also offer screening. During screening, we use state of the art technology to look for potential abnormalities, which may not yet be visible to the naked eye. Many cases of oral cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage because people are unaware of the symptoms, and this is why routine check-ups and screening are so important.

If you have any questions about oral cancer, or you’d like to book a check-up or talk about screening, don’t hesitate to get in touch. A trip to the dentist really could save your life.