ADVANCED DENTAL SOLUTIONS
Removing Suspicious Lumps & Bumps.
Here at Kensington Court Clinic, our team of dentists, specialists and Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly skilled in detecting and diagnosing bumps and lumps in patients’ mouths. We can take biopsies in the clinic and arrange for the laboratory testing and diagnosis of any lumps, bumps and lesions.
Apicectomy
Early Detection Of Oral Cancer Saves Lives.
Tissue changes inside and outside the mouth could be an indication of early cancer. If you ensure you have regular dental check-ups and investigate any changes promptly it is possible to detect oral cancer early.
Early Detection Of Oral Cancer Saves Lives.
Oral cancer can be treated successfully if caught at an early stage. If not treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat. Our team are dedicated to investigating and diagnosing oral cancers early.
Not every bump or lump you develop in your mouth will be cancerous, but some are more likely than others to become cancerous. At Kensington Court Clinic, your check-up will always include a standardised oral examination of the inside and outside your mouth.
What Are The Types Of Oral Cancer?
Mouth cancer is categorised by the type of cell where it starts growing. Nine out of ten cases of mouth cancer are squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cells are found in many areas of the body, including the inside of the mouth and the skin.
What Are The Types Of Oral Cancer?
Less common types of mouth cancer include:
- Adenocarcinoma, which is cancers that develop inside the salivary glands.
- Sarcoma, which grows from abnormalities in bone, cartilage, muscle or other tissue.
- Oral malignant melanoma, where cancer starts in the cells that produce skin pigment or colour (melanocytes). These appear as very dark, mottled swellings that often bleed.
- Lymphoma, which grows from cells usually found in lymph glands, but they can also grow in the mouth.
What Are The Risk Factors That Can Lead To Oral Cancer?
Although in some patients, the exact cause of oral cancers is unknown, there are definite risk factors. These risk factors include tobacco and alcohol, which contain nitrosamines. These are chemicals that are known to cause cancer.
What Are The Risk Factors That Can Lead To Oral Cancer?
Over three-quarters of oral cancer cases are linked to smoking, chewing tobacco (or betel quid) and alcohol.
Other risk factors include:
- If you are deficient in vitamin A and zinc, you have an increased risk.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV16 specifically) is associated with oral cancer.
- Excessive unprotected exposure to UV sunlight can lead to cancer of the lip.
- If you have a history of other head and neck cancers, and continue to smoke and drink alcohol you have a greater risk of developing oral cancer.
How Can I Check Myself For Oral Cancer?
As mouth cancer can arise in numerous places, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheeks, and given that early detection is crucial for survival, we must all know what to be on the lookout for.
How Can I Check Myself For Oral Cancer?
Mouth ulcers which do not heal in three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area must not be ignored.
You can use the following routine to check regularly for oral cancer.
Head and neck
Check that both sides look the same. Check for any lumps, bumps or swellings that are only on one side of your face. Press along the sides and front of your neck looking for any lumps or soreness.
Lips
Pull your lower lip downwards and check inside for any sores or changes in colour. Gently squeeze your lip for any unusual lumps, bumps or changes in texture. Repeat this on the upper lip.
Cheek
Use your finger to pull out your cheek and look inside for red, white or dark patches. Squeeze and roll your cheek between your index finger and opposing thumb to check for any lumps, tenderness or ulcers, repeat this action on the other cheek.
Roof of the mouth
Tilt your head back and open your mouth wide. If you can, check for any lumps or changes in colour. Run your finger on the roof of your mouth to feel for any lumps.
Tongue
Examine your tongue, looking at the surface for any changes in colour or texture. Stick out your tongue and move it from side to side. Check for swelling, changes in colour or ulcers. Look underneath your tongue by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Floor of the mouth
Look at the floor of the mouth for changes in colour that are different than normal. Press your finger along the floor of your mouth and underside of your tongue to feel for any unusual lumps, swellings or ulcers.
If you find anything unusual in any of these areas, or are unsure of anything, visit your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.
If I Have A Lump What Can I Expect?
Here at Kensington Court Clinic, we can carry out a biopsy during your consultation if necessary. We will arrange for the sample to be laboratory tested so that we can best diagnose any lumps, bumps and lesions.
If I Have A Lump What Can I Expect ?
We know that this will be a worrying time for you. We will deal with your concerns promptly and discuss fully any necessary treatment.
If you are experiencing thickening or a lump in the oral soft tissue, soreness, difficulty in swallowing or chewing, swelling of your jaw causing dentures to fit poorly or lesions on your lip due to sunburn, you may potentially need treatment.
How Can I Protect Myself From Oral Cancer?
The three most effective ways of preventing mouth cancer from happening, or stopping it from coming back after successful treatment, to avoid tobacco, avoid alcohol and to eat a balanced diet.
How Can I Protect Myself From Oral Cancer?
The NHS recommends you drink no more than fourteen units of alcohol a week. If you drink as much as 14 units a week, it’s best to spread it evenly over three or more days.
You should avoid smoking or using tobacco in other ways, such as chewing tobacco.
Your diet should include fresh vegetables (particularly tomatoes), citrus fruits, olive oil and fish.
You should have regular dental check-ups because your dentist can often spot the early stages of mouth cancer.