- What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
- How Does A Screening Test for Oral Cancer Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Oral Cancer Screenings?
- What Are The Symptoms Of Oral Cancer?
- S. Joseph Pausa, D.M.D. Reviews
- Am I a Candidate for Oral Cancer Screening?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule Your Next Oral Cancer Screening
- Get In Touch
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
What Are The Symptoms Of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can have many symptoms, and they may vary from person to person. However, some of the most common signs to watch for include:
- A sore, lesion, or ulcer in the mouth or on the lips that does not heal
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
- A lump or thickening on the cheek
- A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pausa for an evaluation. While these signs can be caused by other, less serious conditions, early detection of oral cancer is key to successful treatment.
S. Joseph Pausa, D.M.D. Reviews
Dr. Pausa and the entire staff were amazing!! The front desk ladies are incredibly sweet and extremely helpful! The nurses make you feel so comfortable and at ease throughout your visit!! Everyone was kind, professional and genuinely caring. I had a wonderful experience from start to finish and highly recommend this office to anyone looking for exceptional care! Susan Bronner
I could not ask for a better oral surgeon! Dr. Pausa is compassionate and explains in detail the procedure recommended. Highly recommend! His staff is pretty awesome too☺️ (I traveled 2 hours each way to see Dr. Pausa!)
Very pleasant & highly skilled! Great combination!! Thanks
Very good experience
What a great practice! From the front office staff to the caring medical team. I’ve had two procedures in this office. Dr. Pausa and staff are top notch!
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Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Am I a Candidate for Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is recommended for patients who want to proactively monitor changes in their oral tissues, especially if they have risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or a history of sun exposure. During this evaluation, our team examines the mouth, tongue, gums, and surrounding structures for irregularities that may require further testing. Early detection is essential, even for those without symptoms. Qualities or considerations that may mean you are a good candidate for oral cancer screening include:
- History of tobacco use
- Persistent oral irritation
- Visible tissue changes
- Family cancer history
- Long-term sun exposure
Some findings may need biopsy or referral depending on complexity. We will guide you through every step with clarity and compassion. Again, our team will thoroughly assess your unique situation to determine the appropriate next steps.
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.