Early oral cancer is usually painless, which is why it is often missed. At Brampton Smiles, Dr. Azher Abbas checks your mouth, tongue, throat and neck as part of every adult exam. It takes about 2 minutes, uses no needles or swabs, and there is no extra charge.
Who should get an oral cancer screening?
All adults should be screened at least once a year. People who use tobacco should be checked at least twice a year. You may be at higher risk if you:
- use tobacco, including chewing tobacco or betel or areca nut
- drink alcohol heavily, especially together with tobacco
- have been exposed to HPV, even if you do not smoke
- have had a lot of unprotected sun on your lips
- have had oral cancer before
- are over 40
Many oral cancers also happen in people with none of these risks, so everyone benefits from a regular check.
What happens during the screening
- Health history. We ask about tobacco, alcohol, sun exposure, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, and any sores or lumps you have noticed.
- Visual exam. We look at all the soft tissues under good light. We gently hold your tongue with gauze to see its sides and underside, where problems often start.
- Hands-on exam. With gloved fingers, we feel the floor of your mouth, cheeks, and the lymph nodes in your neck and jaw for firm or fixed lumps.
- Findings and follow-up. Anything unusual is documented and photographed. Most spots are rechecked in about two weeks. Spots that stay are referred for a biopsy.
The two-week rule
A mouth sore should clearly improve within two weeks. If it is still there after two weeks, it needs a proper look, not a wait-and-see approach. Most findings turn out to be harmless, such as an ulcer from biting your cheek, but only a biopsy can tell for sure.
Warning signs to report if they last more than 2 weeks
- a sore, ulcer or irritation that does not heal
- white or red patches in the mouth
- a lump, thickened area or rough spot in the mouth, lip or throat
- numbness, tenderness or loss of feeling
- trouble chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your jaw or tongue
- hoarseness that will not go away, or a feeling of something stuck in your throat
- unexplained bleeding, or dentures or teeth that no longer fit together the same way
Screening cannot diagnose cancer. If we find something suspicious, we refer you to an oral surgeon or specialist for a biopsy and follow up with you directly.
Cost and insurance
Oral cancer screening is part of your adult exam, so there is no separate fee. Most extended plans cover exams, and the Canada Dental Care Plan covers exams for eligible patients. We are a CDCP provider and direct-bill Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield and others.
Before Your Visit
- Note any sores, lumps, patches or changes you have noticed, and how long they have been there.
- Tell us if you use tobacco or alcohol, or if you have had a past oral cancer diagnosis.
- Bring your insurance or CDCP card.
- You do not need to prepare in any other way.
After Your Screening
- You can eat, drink and go back to your day right away.
- If we marked an area to watch, book the recheck in about two weeks.
- If we referred you for a biopsy, book it promptly and let us know the date so we can follow up.
- Call us if a sore or lump grows, bleeds or does not heal before your next visit.
Visit Brampton Smiles
50 Sunny Meadow Blvd, Unit 300, Brampton, ON L6R 0Y7. Phone: (905) 793-8668.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 10 AM to 7 PM. Tue, Fri 10 AM to 5 PM. Sat 9 AM to 2 PM. Sun closed.
Book your exam and screening today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra charge for oral cancer screening?
No. It is included in every adult exam.
I have never smoked. Do I still need it?
Yes. HPV-related throat cancers and sun-related lip cancer also happen in non-smokers.
How often should I be screened?
At least once a year for adults, and at least twice a year if you use tobacco. If you have had oral cancer before, you will usually be seen more often.
Does the dentist diagnose cancer?
No. Screening finds suspicious tissue. A biopsy and pathology report give the diagnosis.
I found a sore. Should I wait for my next visit?
If it has lasted more than two weeks, call us now at (905) 793-8668.
Does it hurt?
No. It is a quick look and gentle touch exam with no needles.