Oral Cancer Screening

At Hathorne Family Dental in Danvers, Massachusetts, Dr. Keerthy Chilakamarry, DMD and the team are dedicated to not just maintaining your oral health but also safeguarding your overall well-being. One of the most important preventive measures we offer is oral cancer screening—a quick, painless, and potentially life-saving examination. 

Oral cancer is a serious condition that can develop in various areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, and even the throat. When detected early, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher. That’s why we prioritize regular screenings as part of our comprehensive dental care services. 

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It is a type of head and neck cancer and can affect multiple areas, including: 

• Lips 

• Tongue 

• Cheeks 

• The floor of the mouth 

• Roof of the mouth (palate) 

• Gums 

• Tonsils 

• Throat (oropharynx) 

If left undetected and untreated, oral cancer can spread to other areas of the body, making treatment more complex and reducing survival rates. However, with early detection and intervention, oral cancer is highly treatable. 

Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. Unfortunately, many cases are not detected until they have reached an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult. 

Regular oral cancer screenings can:

• Identify abnormalities before they become cancerous 

• Detect cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective 

• Provide peace of mind knowing your oral health is being monitored 

• Increase survival rates through early diagnosis 

At Hathorne Family Dental, we believe prevention is key. Our team is committed to catching potential issues early to help ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. 

Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase your risk. These include: 

Tobacco Use

• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes increases the risk of developing cancer in the lips, mouth, and throat. 

• Chewing tobacco or using snuff significantly increases the risk of oral cancer, especially in the cheeks, gums, and inner lips. 

Heavy Alcohol Consumption

• Excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for oral cancer. 

• The combination of alcohol and tobacco use further elevates the risk. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

• HPV, particularly HPV-16, has been linked to an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer (cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils). 

Excessive Sun Exposure

• Chronic exposure to the sun can increase the risk of lip cancer. 

Poor Oral Hygiene and Diet

• A lack of proper oral hygiene and a diet low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to oral cancer risk. 

Family History of Cancer

• A genetic predisposition to cancer can increase your likelihood of developing oral cancer. 

Age and Gender

• Oral cancer is more common in people over 40 years old. 

• Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. 

Even if you don’t have these risk factors, oral cancer can still develop. That’s why regular screenings are essential for everyone, regardless of lifestyle or health history. 

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer often presents with subtle symptoms in its early stages. You should be aware of the following warning signs and contact Dr. Chilakamarry if you experience any of them: 

• Persistent Mouth Sores – Any sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks should be evaluated. 

• Red or White Patches – Unexplained red (erythroplakia) or white (leukoplakia) patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks. 

• Lumps or Thickened Areas – Any unusual lumps or thickened areas in the mouth, throat, or neck. 

• Pain or Difficulty Swallowing – Discomfort or pain when chewing or swallowing food. 

• Persistent Hoarseness or Voice Changes – Changes in voice that last more than two weeks. 

• Numbness or Tingling – Loss of sensation in the mouth or lips. 

• Loose Teeth or Poorly Fitting Dentures – Without a known cause. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an appointment for a screening at Hathorne Family Dental right away. 

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless examination that can be performed during your regular dental check-up. 

Step 1: Visual Examination

Dr. Chilakamarry will carefully inspect your mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and throat for any unusual signs, such as sores, discoloration, or swelling. 

Step 2: Physical Examination

Using gloved hands, the dentist will gently feel for lumps or abnormalities in your mouth, jaw, and neck. 

Step 3: Advanced Screening Tools (If Needed)

In some cases, we may use additional diagnostic tools, such as: 

• Specialized Lights – Helps detect abnormalities not visible to the naked eye. 

• Dye Tests – A special dye may highlight suspicious areas. 

• Biopsy Referral – If an area appears suspicious, we may recommend a biopsy for further analysis. 

What Happens If an Abnormality Is Found?

If a suspicious area is detected, don’t panic—not all abnormalities are cancerous. The next steps may include: 

• Monitoring the area – If the lesion is small and non-threatening, we may suggest monitoring it for changes. 

• Biopsy and further testing – If needed, a tissue sample may be taken for laboratory analysis. 

• Referral to a specialist – If the results indicate cancer or pre-cancerous changes, we will refer you to an oral surgeon or oncologist for further care. 

The earlier an issue is identified, the better the chances of successful treatment. 

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer?

• Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products 

• Limit alcohol consumption 

• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables 

• Use sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 

• Maintain good oral hygiene 

• Get vaccinated against HPV 

• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and screenings 

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today!

Regular oral cancer screenings are a vital part of maintaining both your oral health and overall well-being. Early detection can save lives, and at Hathorne Family Dental, Dr. Keerthy Chilakamarry, DMD, is committed to providing thorough, painless screenings to catch any potential concerns as soon as possible. Whether you have risk factors or not, scheduling a routine screening is a simple yet powerful step toward preventive care. Don’t wait—prioritize your health today by booking your oral cancer screening at our Danvers, MA office. 

Contact Hathorne Family Dental today to schedule your appointment.