Oral Cancer Screenings in South Hadley, MA
No one wants to hear that they may have oral cancer. Although it can be life-threatening, oral cancer is far easier to treat when it’s caught early. That’s why Baltazar Dental is proud to include oral cancer screenings as part of our commitment to preventive care. During your routine visits, Dr. Felicia Baltazar carefully examines your mouth, tongue, and throat for early warning signs, helping patients in South Hadley, MA protect their health and catch problems at the most treatable stage.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer often appears as white or red patches or lesions inside the mouth. These may develop on the tongue, gums, cheeks, or the floor of the mouth. Other signs include:
- A sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing or chewing
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
- Persistent hoarseness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office right away rather than waiting for your next checkup.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase your risk, including tobacco use of any kind, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and age. Regular screenings are important for everyone, especially patients with one or more risk factors.
What to Expect During a Screening
An oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and performed during your routine cleaning and exam. Dr. Baltazar visually inspects your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth, and throat, and gently feels your jaw and neck for lumps or irregularities. Our intraoral camera can capture images of any suspicious areas so they can be documented and monitored. If anything concerning is found, we’ll discuss next steps, which may include a referral for further evaluation.
Prevention and Early Detection
Reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, using lip balm with SPF, and keeping regular dental visits. Screenings are part of our broader preventative dentistry approach, alongside digital X-rays, sealants, and gum care such as scaling and root planing. Patients with dentures should continue regular screenings, too. Explore our general dentistry services.
Oral Cancer Screening FAQs
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick visual and physical exam of the mouth, tongue, throat, jaw, and neck to look for early signs of oral cancer.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. The screening is painless and is usually completed in just a few minutes during your routine dental exam.
How often should I be screened for oral cancer?
Screenings are typically performed during your regular checkups. Patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more careful monitoring.
What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Early signs include white or red patches, sores that don’t heal, lumps, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and swelling in the face or neck.
Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
Risk is higher for people who use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, have HPV, or have had significant sun exposure to the lips, but anyone can develop oral cancer.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
We will document the area and discuss next steps, which may include monitoring or a referral for further evaluation.
Where can I get an oral cancer screening in South Hadley, MA?
Baltazar Dental in South Hadley, MA includes oral cancer screenings with routine exams. Call (413) 538-7546 to schedule.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Call Baltazar Dental at (413) 538-7546 to schedule your exam and oral cancer screening with Dr. Baltazar in South Hadley, MA .