at Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Coastal Jaw Surgery
ORAL CANCER SCREENING For Early Detection of Signs & Symptoms
According to a report from the Oral Cancer Foundation, this year nearly 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer. Oral cancer can occur in the throat, pharynx, sinuses, floor of the mouth, cheeks, tongue, and lips. While early stages of cancer often do not present obvious signs, the following may be indications that oral cancer has developed:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Numbness in or around the mouth
- Chronic sores
- Persistent sore throat
- Persistent mouth pain
- Red or white patches
- Eroded areas, roughs spots, or lumps on the gums, lips, or other oral tissues
- Sensitivity of the neck, mouth, or face
Although everyone is at some risk, the following factors will significantly increase your risk of developing oral cancer:
- Tobacco use
- Previous oral cancer diagnosis
- HPV (human papilloma virus
- Frequent/heavy alcohol use
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Significant exposure to ultraviolet light
- Genetic predisposition
If you are concerned that you may be at risk of or have oral cancer, please contact our office as soon as possible. As is the case with all types of cancer, early detection is the best way to increase your likelihood of successful treatment. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, every patient who walks through our door will receive VIP Treatment delivered by dedicated professionals who are leaders in their fields and ready to provide you with personalized care using the most cutting-edge dental technology available. For over three decades, we have proudly provided thousands of patients in the Tampa Bay area with dental implant and oral surgery services, including oral surgery, Same Day Teeth®, and periodontal services. To schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK.
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Michael A. Pikos
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Michael A. Pikos is the CEO and Founder of Coastal Jaw Surgery, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. He is also the CEO and Founder of the world renowned Pikos Institute in Trinity, FL. He is recognized as a world authority on dental implant surgical reconstruction.
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Kenneth L.
Anderson
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Nicole Hernandez
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Andrew
Lalli
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Othman
Rezki
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Lindsey
Pikos Rosati
Periodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Anthony M. Pikos
Periodontist
Dr. Bashar Adeinat
Periodontist
Coastal Jaw Surgery
Dr. Philip J.
Hedger
Prosthodontist
ORAL CANCER SCREENING AND BIOPSY PROCESS
Oral cancer symptoms often do not occur until the cancer has progressed, which is why it is so important to schedule oral cancer screenings and regular examinations. During routine visits, our staff will provide a comprehensive examination that includes examining for indications of oral cancer. During the oral cancer screening process, we will examine the inside of your mouth to look for any abnormal tissue that may be indicative of precancerous or cancer conditions. Oftentimes a VELscope® will also be used, which is a handheld device that will cause oral mucosa to naturally fluoresce and identify suspicious lesions that may not be easily noticed otherwise.
If a suspicious area is identified, a biopsy will be performed, which involves removing a portion of the tissue (incisional biopsy) the entire tissue (excisional) or scraping sample cells from the area (exfoliative cytology). This tissue will then be sent for evaluation by a pathologist. Following your pathology results, our surgeons will discuss available treatment options.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ORAL CANCER
If your biopsy results confirm that you have oral cancer, we will help coordinate treatment options to ensure you receive the care you need as quickly as possible. Although treatment plans will be slightly different for everyone, the most common methods for treating cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any combination of the three. Surgical removal of the tumor can be minor or quite extensive depending on the size and location of the tumor. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to stress, or damage cancer cells, and radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill or control malignant cells. The two are often done in combination with one another, especially if surgical removal is not an option. Drug therapy is also commonly part of a treatment plan, and is done to interfere with cancer cell growth, as well as immunotherapy, which involves suppressing or activating the immune system, which in turn helps the body destroy tumors.
Following oral cancer surgery, reconstructive surgery may be recommended to help rebuild your mouth. Please know that our doctors can help restore appearance and function using advanced techniques and delivered with skillful care.
Same Day Teeth®
at Pikos Institute
8740 Mitchell Blvd
New Port Richey, FL 34655
(727) 877-0011
at Clearwater, FL
Pinellas Periodontics
at Clearwater
3003 Enterprise Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 799-4492
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Palm Harbor
2711 Tampa Rd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 786-1631
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Spring Hill
4372 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL 34606
(352) 596-6804
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Tampa
11940 Sheldon Rd
Tampa, FL 33626
(727) 877-0011
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Trinity
8845 Hawbuck St
Trinity, FL 34655
(727) 375-0469
COST OF ORAL CANCER SCREENING
The cost of performing an oral cancer screening is minimal, however, the overall cost of treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including whether or not oral cancer is present, and if so, what procedures are performed as part of your treatment plan, as well as your dental insurance plan coverage (if applicable). At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to providing you with high-quality oral care in a manner that is simple and efficient. To help meet your unique budget and needs, we offer the following financing options:
- Carecredit® Healthcare Financing (interest free financing for dental care)
- GreenSky® Patient Financing
- Lending Club Patient Financing
We also accept traditional insurance, and as courtesy to you, are happy to file and track your insurance claim and assist with insurance family plans. To help facilitate this process, please have your insurance information prepared at your appointment, including your insurance and identification card. To help you maximize your benefits, we are also happy to provide a written diagnostic report and X-rays to your insurance company if necessary.
Please note: Dental insurance only covers part of your total expenses and remaining out-of-pocket expenses must be paid following service. We accept cash, debit cards, and most major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express).
Contact Coastal Jaw Surgery
In addition to maintaining a private practice, Dr. Pikos also founded the Pikos Institute in 1990, a now globally recognized teaching organization that provides surgical and technology-based training for clinicians throughout the country to perform predictable, prosthetically driven implant dentistry. Whether you are having oral surgery, dental implants, or periodontal services, you can feel confident that you are receiving care from oral health professionals who are at the forefront of oral surgery education and leaders in the fields of periodontal services and implant dentistry.
To learn more about our clinic and services, or to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening, contact us today at (800) 639-5665 or fill out an online form.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!