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 of a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.
When Is An Oral Biopsy Needed?
The following can be initial signs of a pathological 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 and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing
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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.
How Often Should I be Screened?
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. 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 can assist you with any questions or concerns.
Legacy Oral and Facial Surgery Center
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Job!
- Praskovya N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Got me in as soon as I called, severe pain, bad wisdom tooth, complications "Can you be here in 45 minutes? Absolutely. Couldn't be any smoother or professional from the start. Top level facility and service. This Doc., Doctor Dalbert Fear is the most compassionate Doctor I have encountered in my 63 year lifetime. I had an impacted 3rd molar that was infected trying to grow a wrong direction in my jawbone that was a very tough surgery. Consequently the lingual nerve that affects the tongue was disturbed in the process and caused excruciating pain and numbness after the 1st surgery. The 2nd molar also had to be extracted because of this. Doctor Fear took an immidiate interest in solving this issue in any way possible, after 2 more encounters into general anesthesia the reason for the excruciating pain, inability to swallow or talk was discovered and Dr. Fear solved the problem of not being able to swallow, eat or talk for 3 weeks. It has been the most traumatizing medical emergency of my life and this man and his staff stuck with me every day, every minute until the pain problem was solved. The surgery that was performed was a very hard issue as the lingual nerve passes right by where the tooth had to be extracted, Trust me when I tell you, you NEVER want to experience this kind of pain. I have drilled a hole through my hand with a #8 size drill bit, had broken ribs, dislocated shoulder, broken collar bone, deviated septum surgery under local anesthesia, broken bones in my right hand, and foot, 4 root canals, 3 tooth implants. All of these events were a square dance compared to this. I NEVER thought or knew that pain like this was possible and the good Doctor and his staff kept me as comfortable and pain free as possible with any medications that were required or additional surgeries or other tasks that needed to be performed. The postoperative care that I received and continue to receive from Legacy Oral and Facial Surgery Center after this procedure is certainly nothing like I have experienced in any other medical health care facility, Emergency Room trauma center, hospital or any other doctor in my lifetime. Absolutely the best care I have ever received, and continue to receive from this facility and staff. Dr. Fear has told me personally that he is on this with us until it is completly solved. Millions of thank you's to Dr. Fear, and all the nurses, professionals and office staff that have helped me and my wife through this very trying time through the Christmas holiday season with this injury. We Thank you very sincerely, Mark & Ruby D.
- Mark D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Fear is an amazing man. I am 78 yrs old and have a rare type of lymphoma, and he immediately understood, how it behaved (very rare for anyone to know this) the impact of it and helped me decide what to do. He was so kind! It is refreshing to have an oral surgeon who also understands your general health and takes it into consideration in the process. I was in so much pain from a week of attempted root canals at an endodontist. But the tooth wouldn't cooperate and the abscess was getting larger.. But the extraction procedure was fast! The tooth popped, he was able to remove the infection from the abscess, and stitch it up in record time. He was a life saver for me. And the nurse (short blond hair can't remember her name) who took care of me was so fabulous. She really looked out for me through the whole process. Thanks to both of you and your staff.
- Judith S