Oral Cancer Screening in Auckland

At Caring 4 Smiles, our dedicated team are able to screen suspect oral tissues for Oral Cancer. Dentists are usually the first to see the subtle changes in the mouth.

Oral cancer has become more prevalent today than ever before. It is a debilitating condition that creeps up on a number of people through their lifestyle and can have devastating effects. It has the highest mortality rate and early detection is the most important factor in its management.

Factors that earlier resulted in Oral Cancer were smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol and spirits and sharp teeth rubbing against the tongue and cheeks.

Today, the Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the cause of a significant number of young people developing Oral Cancer of the mouth and throat. HPV is transmitted through sexual activity from the genital to oral structures. This is the reason why everyone over the age of 17 and sexually active must be screened routinely.

So, why is the general public aware of this? It is because the subtle changes in the mouth cannot be picked up with the naked eye.

Identafi Technology

At Caring 4 Smiles we remain ever vigilant because the dentist and hygienist is usually the first trained professional to see the subtle changes in the mouth.

This recognition of the tissue changes results in further investigations that can reduce the destruction in the mouth. At Caring 4 Smiles, we use Identafi® with its Identafi® technology to be on the front line of detection – identify biochemical and morphological changes in cells of the mouth, throat, tongue and tonsils.

Identafi Process

At Caring 4 Smiles, every patient is assessed against the risk factors. If you would like to be screened, please fill in the contact form to your right.

What is HPV ( Human Papilloma Virus )

The Human Papilloma virus is the most common of viruses. Kids with a wart on the finger evidence the virus. It is transmitted through contact.

However, there are 120 different types of HPV but we are looking for only 4 types of the virus # 16, 18, 31, 45.

All these warts and virus types do not result in oral cancer till our immune system begins to fail. A strong system will flush out the virus.