Included in every comprehensive exam, free of charge, always. Early detection is the single biggest predictor of outcome.
We examine the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, palate, and neck lymph nodes for any lesion, swelling, or change in texture. It takes less than two minutes, and it’s painless.
If we find anything concerning, we photograph it, document it, and in most cases re-examine in two weeks to see if it resolves. If it doesn’t, we refer promptly — usually to the BC Cancer Agency’s oral medicine clinic.
Tobacco use (current or historic). Heavy alcohol use. HPV infection. Sun exposure (lips). A family history. That said — plenty of patients with no risk factors still develop oral cancers, which is why we screen everyone, every time.
Gentle, honest dentistry in the heart of Oak Bay. We’ll take it from here.