Oral Pathology

Oral pathology deals with diseases and abnormal conditions that affect the oral and maxillofacial regions. These include:

• Soft tissue ulcers
• Soft tissue masses / growths
• Jaw cysts
• Oral infections
• Bony masses / growths
• Odontogenic (tooth-related) pathology
• Oral cancer

Following a thorough evaluation and diagnosis, a biopsy may be recommended. On occasion, a follow up surgery maybe required depending on the result of the biopsy.

The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) 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 curiously, 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. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.