Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that 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 at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia/erythroplakia ) 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 would 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. Please contact us so we may help.

In certain cases, a biopsy may be indicated. This procedure entails removing some or all of the lesion and submitting it to a pathologist who will examine the tissue under a microscope to establish a diagnosis. Most often, these procedures can be performed under a local anesthetic. In certain cases, a conscious sedation or a general anesthetic may be preferred. Post operatively, you may experience some bleeding and swelling. You will most likely need to be on a soft bland diet for up to a week. Depending on the results of your biopsy, additional procedures may be indicated.