You may think it sounds a little far-fetched to say that a trip to the dentist could save you life, but this really is the case when it comes to oral cancer.

Oral cancer is a form of cancer, which is affecting more and more people in the UK. More than 6,000 new cases were diagnosed last year and the number of people affected by this deadly disease has almost doubled over the last ten years. At City Dental we are determined to provide our patients with the information they need and encourage routine check-ups and screening sessions to reduce the risk of oral cancer and ensure that any warning signs are identified at the earliest possible stage.

About oral cancer

Oral cancer is sometimes known as mouth cancer; it affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat and is most commonly characterised by abnormal swelling, red or white patches and slow-healing mouth ulcers.

Sometimes it is not possible to say what causes cancer, which occurs as a result of abnormal cell growth, but the main risk factors for oral cancer are drinking alcohol and smoking; in recent years, the HPV (human papilloma virus) has also been identified as a major risk factor for mouth cancer. This virus is also linked to cervical cancer.

Saving lives in Leeds

As with most other forms of cancer, the earlier the signs of mouth cancer are spotted, the better. Early intervention contributes to a dramatic improvement in the chances of survival because it may mean that cancer can be treated before it starts to spread to other parts of the body.

Screening enables our dentists to identify very early changes in the oral tissue, which allow early diagnosis and treatment. Using the latest technology, our dentist can look for warning signs long before they are visible to the naked eye and this means that treatment can be administered before the condition progresses and becomes more aggressive and advanced.