Assessment and planning
Review symptoms, duration, tobacco and alcohol exposure, and health history.
Dental Hygiene in Vancouver
Oral Cancer Screening
A visual and tactile examination of the mouth and nearby tissues for unusual changes.
Overview
Understanding oral cancer screening
Screening may include the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, throat, jaw, and neck. A finding is not automatically cancer, but persistent or suspicious changes may need monitoring, referral, or biopsy.
The care pathway
What an appointment may involve
The exact sequence can change with your diagnosis, health, anatomy, and treatment plan.
Treatment stage
Examine and palpate oral soft tissues and relevant head and neck areas.
Completion and follow-up
Document findings and explain monitoring, referral, or biopsy when indicated.
Personalized care
What shapes a recommendation
A clinician may consider these factors alongside your symptoms, priorities, and reasonable alternatives.
- A sore, lump, colour change, or patch that does not heal
- Tobacco, alcohol, sun exposure, and prior disease history
- Changes in swallowing, speech, sensation, or neck tissues
Treatment goals
Potential benefits
Benefits vary by diagnosis and individual response; no outcome can be guaranteed.
Non-invasive examination during suitable routine visits
Your dental team can explain how this goal applies to your case and what limitations or tradeoffs to consider.
Supports timely investigation of persistent changes
Your dental team can explain how this goal applies to your case and what limitations or tradeoffs to consider.
Creates documentation for comparison over time
Your dental team can explain how this goal applies to your case and what limitations or tradeoffs to consider.
Is oral cancer screening right for you?
Start with a diagnosis and a conversation. We will review appropriate options and explain why a particular approach is or is not recommended.
Patient guides
Related dental health reading
Original educational articles with visible sources, safety guidance, and publication dates.
Dental Hygiene
Related services
Service
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Individualized plaque and tartar removal with preventive home-care guidance.
Learn more →ServiceStain Removal and Polishing
Selective removal of external tooth stain and polishing of suitable surfaces.
Learn more →ServiceGum Disease Therapy (Periodontics)
Diagnosis-led non-surgical care for gingivitis or periodontitis.
Learn more →