A+ A- A Main Content

Oral Cancer Screenings

Periodontal disease is the most common disease found in the mouth. However, other diseases such as cysts, tumors, and precancerous and cancerous lesions may exist. Oral pathology involves diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth. Some individuals may experience unusual changes in their mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, or throat that may be caused by a disease.An oral cancer screening is used to diagnosing diseases in the mouth.The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the faster treatment and healing can begin.

What can I expect during the oral exam?

Our periodontist may perform a number of tests or exams to determine what is causing the symptoms you are experiencing.A biopsy is the typical procedure for diagnosis. A biopsy is the process where a small amount of suspicious tissue within the mouth is sampled and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Fortunately, most biopsies can be completed in our office with a local anesthesia. Upon completion of the biopsy, the tissue sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination where the tissue is handled by a qualified specialist in oral pathology.

The oral pathologist will process the suspicious tissue and under a microscope in their laboratory. The processing examination on the tissue roughly takes one to two weeks. Great care is taken to provide an accurate diagnosis. Once the tissue examination is completed, our doctors will be informed of the results with a detailed report. Your doctor will then review the diagnosis and determine the best treatment options for you.

Whatever the case may be, the patient is required to return to the office to review the results of the biopsy procedure with our doctor. If future treatment is needed, this can be discussed during this appointment.

How will I be treated?

Each patient’s diagnosis will be different. Treatments options vary depending on the type of disease that is present. Our periodontist will address treatment options on a case-by-case basis scenario in order to achieve the best results. Whatever treatment option is presented, our office is dedicated to making any procedure performed as comfortable as possible.