Procedures

ORAL PATHOLOGY

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin called mucosa, which is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs of the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

Reddish patches or whitish patches in the mouth
A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

Once it has been determined that you have a suspicious area, a biopsy will be performed. This procedure involves surgically removing a portion of the suspicious tissue and sending it to a pathologic laboratory to be examined by microscope. This allows for an accurate diagnosis of the problem, and enables the doctor to make a treatment plan that is specific for the type of lesion that has been diagnosed.

Early detection and treatment can mean a better chance of a cure, so it is important that you perform an oral self-examination monthly. Don’t ignore any suspicious lumps or sores. If you find something that requires further examination, call our office for an appointment.

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