Oral cancer screening in Dubai — for smokers, shisha and dokha users

Key facts

• Quick, comfortable examination of mouth, throat area and neck
• Especially important for smokers, shisha and dokha users
• A mouth ulcer not healed in 3 weeks or a red or white patch needs checking
• Biopsy under local anaesthetic gives a definite diagnosis
• Confirmed cancer is referred promptly to a head and neck oncology team

Why screening matters for smokers, shisha and dokha users

Mouth cancer is strongly linked to tobacco in all forms. Shisha delivers tobacco smoke over long sessions, and dokha, a strong tobacco smoked in a midwakh pipe, exposes the mouth to high concentrations of smoke. Heavy alcohol use multiplies the risk when combined with tobacco. Other risk factors include chewing betel or areca nut, sun exposure on the lips, a weakened immune system, and HPV infection, which is linked to some throat cancers. Many early mouth cancers and pre-cancerous changes cause no pain, so they can go unnoticed. Finding changes early generally allows simpler treatment and better outcomes.

What is checked during screening

The examination takes a few minutes and involves no instruments that cause pain. The surgeon looks at and feels the lips, the inside of the cheeks, the gums, the top, sides and underside of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the hard and soft palate, and the visible area at the back of the throat. The neck and under the jaw are gently felt for enlarged lymph nodes. Any areas of concern are measured and photographed so changes can be tracked. You will be asked about tobacco, alcohol, symptoms and how long any changes have been present.

Warning signs to know

See a specialist if you notice a mouth ulcer that has not healed within three weeks, a red or white patch, or a mixed red and white area anywhere in the mouth. Other warning signs include a lump or thickening in the cheek, tongue or gums, unexplained bleeding or numbness, a loose tooth without gum disease, a denture that no longer fits, persistent hoarseness, a sore throat or difficulty swallowing, pain in the ear on one side, or a lump in the neck. These symptoms are usually caused by something less serious, but they need examination rather than waiting.

The biopsy pathway

If an area looks suspicious or does not heal after removing obvious causes, such as a sharp tooth or a denture rubbing, a biopsy is the way to get a definite diagnosis. Under local anaesthetic, a small piece of tissue is removed and sent to a pathology laboratory; a few stitches may be placed. Results usually take several days to a couple of weeks and are explained in person. If pre-cancerous changes are found, a plan for removal or close monitoring is agreed. If cancer is confirmed, Dr. Al-Khan arranges prompt referral to a specialist head and neck oncology team for further tests and treatment.

Reducing your risk

Stopping smoking, shisha and dokha is the most effective step to lower your risk, and the benefit grows over time after quitting. Reducing alcohol, especially in combination with tobacco, also helps. Use lip balm with sunscreen if you spend time outdoors, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and keep up regular dental visits so the whole mouth is checked. Check your own mouth monthly in a mirror, looking for changes. Smokers and users of shisha or dokha are encouraged to have a dedicated oral examination at least once a year, or sooner if they notice anything new.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats conditions of the mouth and jaws that go beyond routine dentistry: impacted teeth, cysts and benign lesions, jaw injuries, and preparation of bone for implants.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.