Oral Cancer Screening in Campbelltown

Oral cancer is easier to treat when it is found early, and your dentist is often the first person to see the warning signs. At Family Dental Care in Campbelltown, we check your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate and throat for early changes at your regular dental examination, so you do not need a separate appointment.

For more than 33 years, since 1993, we have looked after families across Campbelltown and the Macarthur region. We are open seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer, also called mouth cancer, starts in the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth (palate) or salivary glands. Oropharyngeal cancer starts just behind the mouth, in areas such as the tonsils, the soft palate and the base of the tongue.

The early stages often cause no pain. A small patch or ulcer can sit in the mouth for weeks without bothering you, which is why many people do not notice it. A trained dentist who looks for these changes regularly can pick up things you cannot see or feel yourself.

Why early detection matters

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around three in four Australians diagnosed with an oral cancer are alive five years later. Cancers that are found at an early stage are generally easier to treat, usually with less extensive surgery and a better outlook. Finding a change early gives you the best chance.

This is why we check for it at every routine examination, not only when something hurts.

Warning signs to look out for

See your dentist or GP promptly if you notice any of the following:

• A mouth ulcer or sore that has not healed after about three weeks
• A red patch, a white patch, or a mix of both, anywhere in the mouth
• A lump, thickening or rough area in the cheek, tongue, gum or lip
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the tongue, lip or face
• Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
• A sore throat or hoarse voice that does not go away
• Ear pain on one side without an ear infection
• A lump in the neck
• Teeth that become loose for no clear reason, or dentures that suddenly stop fitting

Most mouth ulcers are harmless and heal within one to two weeks. The point is not to panic, but to have anything that lasts longer than about three weeks checked.

Who is at higher risk?

Anyone can develop oral cancer, including people who do not smoke or drink. The risk is higher for people who:

• Smoke or use tobacco in any form
• Drink alcohol regularly, especially when combined with smoking
• Have had a long-term HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, which is linked to cancers at the back of the throat
• Spend long periods in the sun without lip protection (lip cancer)
• Chew betel quid or areca nut
• Are older, or are male (oral cancer is more common in men)
• Have a family history of head and neck cancer
• Have had a previous oral lesion or cancer
• Have a poor diet low in fruit and vegetables

If any of these apply to you, tell your dentist so we can pay extra attention at your check-up.

What happens during an oral cancer screening at Family Dental Care?

The screening is quick, gentle and painless. It is part of your normal dental examination and takes only a few minutes.

1. Questions. We ask about your general health, habits (such as smoking and alcohol), and whether you have noticed any sores, lumps, pain or changes.
2. Visual check. Your dentist looks carefully at your lips, cheeks, tongue (top, sides and underneath), floor of the mouth, palate, gums and throat.
3. Feel (palpation). We gently feel the tissues of your mouth, jaw and neck to check for lumps or areas that feel different.
4. Explanation. If everything looks normal, we will tell you and continue with your check-up. If we see something that needs a closer look, we explain exactly what we saw and what we recommend.

What if we find something?

Finding a change does not mean you have cancer. Many spots turn out to be harmless, such as an irritation from a rough tooth, a denture or an injury.

A dentist cannot diagnose cancer. Only a biopsy can confirm it. If we see something suspicious, we may:

• Take a clinical photo and note the details, so changes can be compared over time
• Remove the cause of irritation, for example by smoothing a sharp tooth or adjusting a denture, and review the area in one to two weeks
• Refer you promptly to your GP or to an oral medicine specialist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who can arrange a biopsy and any further tests

We will explain each step clearly and help you with the referral so nothing gets lost.

How often should I be checked?

We screen for oral cancer at every examination. Most adults are advised to see the dentist every six to twelve months, and your dentist will recommend the right interval for you. If you smoke, drink regularly, or have had a previous lesion, you may benefit from more frequent reviews.

If you notice a sore, lump or patch between appointments, do not wait for your next check-up. Call us and we will see you as soon as we can.

How can I lower my risk?

• Quit smoking and avoid tobacco. Stopping at any age lowers your risk over time. For free support in NSW, call Quitline on 13 7848.
• Limit alcohol. The Australian guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day. Less is safer.
• Protect your lips from the sun. Use an SPF lip balm and wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
• Consider HPV vaccination. The HPV vaccine is available through the National Immunisation Program. Ask your GP whether it is suitable for you or your children.
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Keep up with regular dental visits. Make sure dentures fit well and sharp or broken teeth are repaired.

Why choose Family Dental Care in Campbelltown?

• 33+ years of experience caring for local families since 1993
• Open 7 days, including Saturday from 7.30am and Sunday from 9.00am
• Gentle care for nervous patients, with options such as happy gas and the Pain Free Wand available
• Clear referrals to oral medicine specialists if you need further testing
• Easy to find, at Shop 102, 6/8 Dumaresq Street, with entry via the car park
• Online booking available at any time
• Ask us about costs and rebates, interest-free payment plans, the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule and DVA Gold Card care

We welcome patients from Campbelltown, Leumeah, Ruse, Minto, Ingleburn, Narellan, Camden and across the Macarthur region.