What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a test used to identify cancer symptoms and other potential oral health concerns. Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the gumline, throat, cheeks, lips, tongue, and even the salivary glands, potentially spreading if it isn't treated. At Joe Pausa, DMD, we're proud to provide oral cancer screenings, treatment, and resources for Alpharetta, GA patients. Don't take risks with your dental health — schedule a consultation with Dr. Sergio Pausa and our team to learn more about the risks of oral cancer and set up your screening.
How Does A Screening Test for Oral Cancer Work?
Oral cancer screenings are usually performed at our Alpharetta, GA office as part of your regular preventive appointments. To start, we'll inspect your mouth for any white or red growths or lesions. We'll also examine the membranes of your mouth, throat, and neck to check for signs of oral cancer. In some cases, we may remove a small sample of tissue for more extensive testing. We may also talk about common oral cancer symptoms you should watch for between appointments. Some common symptoms of oral cancer include frequent or constant sore throat, swelling around the jaw and neck, bleeding from the mouth, and oral pain. If you experience any of these symptoms and aren't sure about the cause, we invite you to reach out for an oral cancer screening as soon as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Cancer Screenings?
When it comes to oral cancer, early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to ensure a successful recovery. That's why we recommend regular oral cancer screenings as part of a comprehensive dental health plan. The benefits of routine oral cancer screenings at Joe Pausa, DMD, include:
- Custom-tailored advice and preventive care
- Maximizes the likelihood of successful treatment
- Can reduce long-term complications and costs through early intervention
- Empowers you to remain proactive about your oral health
S. Joseph Pausa, D.M.D. Reviews
Dr. Pausa is awesome!! He has a very pleasant, calm and encouraging personality. I’m so happy we found him. Surgery went very smoothly and everything healed beautifully. Dr. Pausa is smart and very talented. I cannot recommend him enough. He and his whole staff are caring and well skilled.
I was 20 minutes late for my appointment with Dr. Pausa, but was able to see Dr. Arora who extracted the root of the broken tooth painlessly & quickly.The socket healed well and I am now awaiting further treatment from Dr. Stephanie O'Rourke for the missing tooth.
Dr Pausa and his staff are wonderful. They are very caring and do everything they can to fit you into their schedule. Dr Pausa takes the time to explain procedures and has a awesome bedside manner. I won't go anywhere else!
Friendly and accommodating. Dr. Pausa and his staff treated me as a person, not a body to work on.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get screened for oral cancer?
Most dentists perform an oral cancer screening at every routine dental exam, which is usually every six months. If you have higher risk factors, your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings. Consistency is key to early detection.
What areas of the mouth are checked during the screening?
Your dentist checks your lips, cheeks, tongue (top, bottom, and sides), gums, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, and throat. They also check for swelling or lumps in your neck and jaw. This comprehensive check helps identify any abnormalities.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Signs include persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, lumps, difficulty swallowing, numbness, hoarseness, or pain that doesn’t go away. Some signs may seem minor, but they should always be evaluated. Many symptoms are painless in early stages.
Schedule Your Next Oral Cancer Screening
At Joe Pausa, DMD, we strive to ensure our patients understand that good oral health goes beyond what you can see in the mirror. Oral cancer is a serious concern, and regular screenings are crucial for ensuring you get the care you need as early as possible. If you are noticing oral cancer symptoms, or if it's been too long since your last checkup, we urge you to reach out to our dental practice in Alpharetta, GA to set up your oral cancer screening with Dr. Pausa and our team.