Oral Pathology

The mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and pink in color. Any alteration in the appearance or texture of this surface could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. Outlined below are the beginning signs of a pathologic process or a potential cancerous lesion:

• REDDISH PATCHES ( ERYTHROPLASIA ) OR WHITISH PATCHES ( LEUKOPLAKIA )
• A SORE SPOT THAT BLEEDS EASILY, FAILS TO HEAL AND PERSISTS IN REMAINING IRRITATED. EXAMPLES INCLUDE A LUMP, MASS, THICKENING OR GROWTH ON THE SURFACE LINING OF THE INSIDE OF THE MOUTH OR TONGUE.

Screening examinations are performed at your general dentist and physician's offices. If changes are noted in the head, neck or intraoral regions, referral may be made for biopsy. Biopsy is a technique of removing all or a portion of the irregular tissue. This tissue is then examined microscopically at a laboratory to determine a specific cellular diagnosis. Once the specific diagnosis of the lesion has been determined, treatment recommendations can be made.

Biopsies are usually performed in the office setting with intravenous anesthesia/local anesthesia combination or with local anesthesia alone.

Pathology can also affect the bony structures of the upper and lower jaw. These lesions are often discovered on screening x-rays (panorex). In order to determine a specific diagnosis, biopsy of these types of lesions will be required. Depending upon this information, treatment recommendations can be made.

The surgeons at Valley Oral Surgery are trained to treat most pathologic lesions. However, some patients may require referral to ENT or plastic surgery colleagues to provide appropriate treatment. These referrals will be coordinated by our office.