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Oral cancer screening in Argüelles, Madrid: why it is so important
Oral cancer is one of the types of cancer with the highest mortality, not because it is especially aggressive, but because it is often diagnosed at advanced stages once it has already invaded neighbouring structures.
Early detection radically changes the prognosis: detected at stage I, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 80%. At stage IV, it falls to 20-30%.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer covers the malignant tumours that appear on the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, gums, cheeks and oropharynx.
The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma (or epidermoid carcinoma), which accounts for 90% of cases.
Risk factors
- Tobacco: This is the most important risk factor. It multiplies the risk of oral cancer sixfold.
- Alcohol: Heavy consumption multiplies the risk, and combined with tobacco the effect is synergistic.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Especially type 16, linked to oropharyngeal cancer.
- Chronic sun exposure: For lip cancer.
- Premalignant lesions: Leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erosive lichen planus.
Warning signs
See your dentist if you notice:
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal in more than 2-3 weeks
- A white or red patch (leukoplakia or erythroplakia) that does not disappear
- A lump or thickening in the mucosa, tongue or neck
- Difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue
- Numbness or tingling in part of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck with no apparent cause
How we do it at Debod Dental Clinic
At every routine check-up at Debod Dental Clinic we carry out a systematic examination of the whole oral mucosa:
- Lips (inside and outside)
- Gums and alveolar mucosa
- The dorsal, ventral and lateral borders of the tongue
- Floor of the mouth
- Hard and soft palate
- Cheeks
- Tonsillar pillars and the visible oropharynx
This examination is part of all our check-ups, at no extra charge. It is one of the ways we practise honest dentistry: we don't just care for your teeth, we care for your health.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this topic.
Through a systematic visual and tactile examination of the lips, tongue, gums, palate, floor of the mouth and cheeks to identify suspicious lesions early. It is quick, painless and we include it at every check-up at no extra charge.
Sores that do not heal within 2-3 weeks, white or red patches that do not disappear, lumps or thickenings, or numbness in the mouth. If any of these appear, it is best to have an assessment as soon as possible.
A check-up at least once a year, and ideally twice. If you smoke or drink alcohol frequently (the main risk factors), closer monitoring is advisable.
Reviewed by Dr. César Rodríguez
Prostodoncia · Rehabilitación Oral · COEM Reg. No. 28015194
Informational content reviewed by a registered professional at Debod Dental Clinic. It does not replace a personalised clinical assessment. View specialist profile.
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