Oral Cancer Screening and Treatment in Balham

Comprehensive Oral Cancer Screening and Assessment

At London Dental Specialists, our oral cancer screening and treatment consultation begins with a thorough examination of your mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues. Our expert dentists use advanced techniques to detect any signs of oral cancer at the earliest possible stage.

The screening process typically includes:

• Visual inspection: We carefully examine your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat for any abnormalities.


• Physical palpation: Our dentists gently feel the tissues in your mouth and neck to check for lumps or unusual textures.


• Specialized tools: We may use additional screening aids such as fluorescence staining or toluidine blue dye to highlight potential problem areas.


• Medical history review: We discuss your lifestyle factors, family history, and any symptoms you may have noticed.

What to Expect During Your Screening

Your oral cancer screening at London Dental Specialists is quick, painless, and typically takes less than 10 minutes. Here's what you can expect:

1. You'll be comfortably seated in our state-of-the-art dental chair.


2. Our dentist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.


3. We'll perform a visual and tactile examination of your oral cavity and neck.


4. If necessary, we may use special lights or dyes to enhance the visibility of any suspicious areas.


5. We'll discuss our findings with you and recommend any further steps if needed.

Risk Assessment and Personalised Care

During your consultation, we'll assess your individual risk factors for oral cancer, which may include:

• Tobacco use


• Alcohol consumption


• HPV infection


• Sun exposure (for lip cancers)


• Family history of oral cancer


• Previous oral cancer diagnosis

Based on this assessment, we'll create a personalised screening schedule and provide advice on reducing your risk factors.

Next Steps After Screening

If we detect any areas of concern during your screening, we may recommend:

• Additional tests: Such as a biopsy to confirm or rule out cancer.


• Follow-up appointments: To monitor any suspicious areas more closely.


• Referral to specialists: If necessary, for further evaluation or treatment.

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to providing comprehensive care and support throughout your oral cancer screening and any subsequent treatment process. Our team is here to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about oral cancer or your oral health in general.

Custom Treatment Plan for Oral Cancer

At London Dental Specialists, we develop a personalised treatment plan for each patient based on the results of their oral cancer screening. Our approach ensures the most effective and least invasive treatment possible.

Components of Your Custom Treatment Plan

Your treatment plan may include:

• Surgery: To remove cancerous tissue and affected lymph nodes


• Radiation therapy: To target and destroy cancer cells


• Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells throughout the body


• Targeted therapy: Using drugs that specifically attack cancer cells


• Immunotherapy: To boost your immune system's ability to fight cancer

Factors Influencing Your Treatment Plan

We consider several factors when creating your treatment plan:

• Stage and location of the cancer


• Your overall health and medical history


• Potential side effects of treatment


• Your preferences and lifestyle considerations

Multidisciplinary Approach

Our team collaborates with specialists to provide comprehensive care:

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons


• Oncologists


• Radiologists


• Speech and swallowing therapists


• Nutritionists

Treatment Timeline

Your treatment plan will include a proposed timeline:

1. Initial treatment (e.g., surgery or radiation)


2. Recovery period


3. Follow-up treatments (if necessary)


4. Regular check-ups and screenings

Support Throughout Your Treatment

We provide ongoing support throughout your treatment journey:

• Regular consultations to monitor progress


• Management of side effects


• Emotional and psychological support


• Guidance on maintaining oral health during treatment

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to providing you with the highest quality care and support throughout your oral cancer treatment. Our team is always available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about your custom treatment plan.

Oral Cancer Treatment Procedures

At London Dental Specialists, we offer comprehensive oral cancer treatment procedures tailored to each patient's specific needs. Our expert team utilises the latest techniques and technologies to provide the most effective care possible.

Common Treatment Options

Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Surgery: To remove cancerous tissue and affected lymph nodes


• Radiation therapy: To target and destroy cancer cells


• Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells throughout the body


• Targeted therapy: Using drugs that specifically attack cancer cells


• Immunotherapy: To boost your immune system's ability to fight cancer

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Our oral surgeons employ cutting-edge surgical methods to ensure the best possible outcomes:

• Minimally invasive procedures: To reduce recovery time and improve cosmetic results


• Robotic-assisted surgery: For precise tumour removal in hard-to-reach areas


• Reconstructive surgery: To restore function and appearance after tumour removal

Innovative Radiation Therapies

We offer advanced radiation treatments to target cancer cells effectively:

• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT): For precise targeting of tumours while sparing healthy tissue


• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): High-dose radiation delivered with pinpoint accuracy

Personalised Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies

Our oncology team develops tailored drug regimens to combat cancer cells:

• Combination chemotherapy: Using multiple drugs to attack cancer from different angles


• Targeted molecular therapies: Drugs designed to interfere with specific molecules involved in tumour growth

Supportive Care During Treatment

We provide comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey:

• Pain management: To ensure your comfort during and after procedures


• Nutritional support: To maintain your strength and promote healing


• Speech and swallowing therapy: To address any functional challenges


• Psychological counselling: To support your emotional well-being

Follow-up Care and Monitoring

After your initial treatment, we continue to provide ongoing care:

• Regular check-ups: To monitor for any signs of recurrence


• Imaging studies: To ensure the cancer has not returned or spread


• Rehabilitation services: To support your recovery and improve quality of life

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to providing you with the highest standard of oral cancer treatment. Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure you receive comprehensive, compassionate care throughout your treatment journey.

Post Oral Cancer Screening and Treatment Care

Comprehensive follow-up care is essential after oral cancer treatment at London Dental Specialists. Our dedicated team provides ongoing support to ensure your complete recovery and long-term oral health following your treatment.

Regular Follow-up Appointments

After completing your oral cancer treatment, we establish a structured follow-up schedule:

• Frequent check-ups during the first year (typically every 1-3 months)


• Gradually decreasing frequency in subsequent years if recovery progresses well


• Thorough oral examinations to detect any signs of recurrence


• Additional imaging studies when necessary


• Comprehensive assessment of your healing and overall oral health

Managing Side Effects

We provide specialised care to address potential side effects of treatment:

• Dry mouth management with saliva substitutes and hydration strategies


• Treatment for oral mucositis (inflammation and ulceration of the mouth lining)


• Pain management solutions tailored to your specific needs


• Strategies to address changes in taste or swallowing difficulties


• Specialised dental care for radiation-affected teeth and gums

Rehabilitation Services

Our multidisciplinary approach includes rehabilitation to restore function:

• Speech therapy to address communication challenges


• Swallowing therapy to improve eating and drinking abilities


• Nutritional counselling to maintain proper nourishment


• Prosthetic solutions for structural changes in the mouth


• Exercises to improve jaw mobility and function

Preventative Care

We emphasise preventative measures to maintain oral health and prevent recurrence:

• Enhanced oral hygiene protocols specific to post-cancer patients


• Regular professional cleanings and examinations


• Guidance on lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors


• Smoking cessation support for those who need it


• Education on self-examination techniques to monitor for changes

Emotional Support

We recognise the emotional impact of cancer treatment and provide:

• Compassionate care throughout your recovery process


• Access to support resources and counselling services


• Clear communication about your progress and expectations


• Opportunities to discuss concerns and ask questions

At London Dental Specialists, our commitment to your care extends well beyond the treatment phase. We partner with you for the long term, ensuring you receive the comprehensive support needed for optimal recovery and ongoing oral health. Your successful rehabilitation is our priority, and we're with you every step of the way.