Oral Cancer
Screening
Oral cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early. At Kingshurst Dental Surgery in Birmingham, we carry out a thorough oral cancer check at every dental examination — giving you vital peace of mind at every visit.
Two Minutes That Could
Save Your Life
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Like all cancers, the earlier it is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
At Kingshurst Dental Surgery, our dentists conduct a systematic visual and physical examination of your mouth, lips, tongue and neck at every check-up. This simple screening takes just a couple of minutes and could make all the difference. We serve patients from across Birmingham, Castle Bromwich, Castle Vale, Water Orton and Chelmsley Wood.
If we notice anything that causes concern, we will refer you promptly to the appropriate specialist — ensuring you receive the right assessment as quickly as possible.
Book Your Check-Up TodayVisual Examination
We carefully examine all soft tissues in and around your mouth — including your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, palate and the floor of your mouth — looking for any changes in colour, texture or shape.
Physical Palpation
We gently feel the tissues of your mouth and neck for any unusual lumps, swellings or areas of firmness that may not be visible to the eye alone.
Prompt Referral If Needed
If we identify anything suspicious, we will refer you to an oral medicine specialist or maxillofacial unit without delay. Early referral dramatically improves outcomes.
Included at Every Check-Up
You don't need to book a separate appointment. Oral cancer screening is carried out as a routine part of every dental examination at our surgery — at no extra cost.
Risk Factors for
Oral Cancer
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors are known to increase the risk. Being aware of these doesn't mean you will develop cancer — but it does make regular screening even more important.
- Smoking or use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipe, chewing tobacco)
- Heavy or regular alcohol consumption — the risk increases significantly when combined with smoking
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection — particularly HPV-16
- Prolonged sun exposure — a risk factor specifically for lip cancer
- Age — oral cancer is more common in people over 40, though it can affect younger people too
- A previous diagnosis of oral cancer or a family history of the condition
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables
Important: Around 25% of oral cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. This is why we screen every patient, regardless of lifestyle, at every check-up.
Symptoms to
Watch Out For
Between dental visits, it's worth checking your own mouth regularly. See us promptly — or contact your GP — if you notice any of the following that lasts for more than three weeks:
- A mouth ulcer or sore that doesn't heal within 3 weeks
- A red or white patch anywhere inside the mouth
- An unexplained lump or swelling in the mouth, throat or neck
- Persistent difficulty swallowing, chewing or moving your jaw or tongue
- Unexplained numbness or loss of feeling in the mouth or lips
- A persistent sore throat or hoarse voice with no obvious cause
- Unexplained loosening of teeth, or pain around the teeth or jaw
Signs We Screen For
Unusual Patches
Red patches (erythroplakia) and white patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth can be pre-cancerous. We examine all mucosal surfaces carefully at every visit.
Non-Healing Ulcers
An ulcer or sore in the mouth that fails to heal within three weeks requires investigation. Most ulcers are harmless but persistent ones should never be ignored.
Lumps & Swellings
We check the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and neck for any unexplained lumps, thickening or asymmetrical swellings that may warrant further investigation.
Colour Changes
Any area of tissue that appears darker, lighter or unusually red compared to the surrounding tissue is noted and monitored or referred as appropriate.
Lip & Tongue Changes
Changes in the texture, surface or appearance of the lips and tongue — including crusting, cracking, or hardness — are examined carefully as part of the screening.
Neck Lymph Nodes
We gently feel the lymph nodes in your neck for any unusual swelling or firmness — an important indicator that the immune system may be responding to something in the area.
What Happens During Screening?
The screening is quick, completely painless and forms part of your routine dental examination. Here's what we do.
Medical History Review
We update your medical and dental history, noting any new symptoms, lifestyle factors, medications or changes since your last visit that may be relevant to your screening.
External Examination
We examine your face, head and neck — checking for any asymmetry, visible swellings or skin changes around the face, lips, and jaw.
Neck Palpation
We gently feel the lymph nodes in your neck with our fingertips, checking for any unusual lumps or enlarged glands that could indicate infection or other conditions.
Lip & Cheek Inspection
The lips and inner cheeks are examined for any patches, ulcers, swelling or changes in colour or texture. We feel the tissues as well as visually inspecting them.
Tongue & Floor of Mouth
We examine all surfaces of the tongue — top, underside and sides — along with the floor of the mouth, soft palate and tonsil area for any irregularities.
Results & Next Steps
We discuss our findings with you. If everything looks healthy, we simply note it in your records. If we spot anything unusual, we explain our concern and arrange a prompt referral.
Noticed Something That Concerns You?
If you have a mouth ulcer, unexplained lump, white or red patch, or any other symptom that has persisted for more than three weeks — please don't wait for your next routine appointment. Contact us straight away. Early detection saves lives.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
Don't Skip Your Check-Up — It Could Be Life-Saving
Book your routine dental examination at Kingshurst Dental Surgery in Birmingham. Oral cancer screening is included at every visit. We welcome patients from Castle Bromwich, Castle Vale, Water Orton, Chelmsley Wood and across the West Midlands.