Oral Pathology & Biopsy
Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons evaluate abnormalities involving the mouth, jaws, and surrounding tissues at our Winston-Salem and Mount Airy offices. Oral pathology includes many different conditions, and not all oral lesions or abnormalities are cancerous. When the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy may be recommended to determine the nature of the condition.
What Is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology refers to diseases and abnormalities affecting the tissues of the mouth, jaws, and surrounding structures. These may include ulcers, cysts, growths, changes in the color or texture of the oral tissues, and abnormalities discovered on dental X-rays or 3D imaging.
Many oral conditions are benign and require little or no additional treatment. Others may require removal, continued observation, additional testing, or treatment by an appropriate specialist. An examination by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help determine the appropriate next step.
Changes That Should Be Evaluated
Changes in the mouth do not necessarily indicate a serious condition, but abnormalities that persist or cannot be readily explained should be evaluated. These may include:
- White, red, or mixed red-and-white patches in the mouth
- A sore or ulcer that does not heal
- A lump, growth, swelling, or thickened area in the mouth
- A lump or enlarged lymph node in the neck
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Persistent numbness or altered sensation
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- An abnormality of the jaw discovered on a dental X-ray or 3D cone beam CT scan
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends evaluation when certain oral or throat symptoms persist for more than two weeks. You do not need to wait for a problem to become painful before having it evaluated.
Oral Biopsy
If an abnormal area cannot be diagnosed from the examination and imaging alone, your surgeon may recommend a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small portion of tissue or, in some cases, the entire lesion is removed so that it can be examined microscopically by a pathologist.
The type of biopsy depends on the location, size, appearance, and suspected nature of the abnormality. Your surgeon will discuss the recommended procedure with you before treatment.
What Happens After a Biopsy?
After a biopsy, the tissue specimen is submitted for microscopic examination. The pathology report helps your surgeon determine the diagnosis and whether any additional treatment or follow-up is necessary.
We routinely schedule a follow-up appointment approximately 1 to 2 weeks after a biopsy. At this visit, your surgeon will examine the surgical site and discuss the biopsy results with you.
It is very important to keep this follow-up appointment even if the biopsy site feels completely healed. If you are unable to attend your scheduled appointment, please reschedule it rather than canceling it so that your surgeon can review the pathology results with you and determine whether any additional care is needed.
Patients who have recently undergone a biopsy can also review our Instructions After Oral Biopsy.
Oral Cancer & Early Detection
Although most abnormalities evaluated as oral pathology are not necessarily cancer, oral and oropharyngeal cancers can occur in the mouth and throat. Some early cancers may cause few symptoms, and pain is not required for a significant abnormality to be present.
Tobacco use and heavy alcohol use are important risk factors for oral cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is also associated with many cancers of the oropharynx, which includes areas such as the tonsils and the back of the tongue.
Regular dental examinations and attention to persistent changes in the mouth or neck are important for early detection. If you notice an unexplained abnormality that does not resolve, contact your dentist, physician, or our office for evaluation.
Evaluation by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Evaluation may include a review of your medical and dental history, examination of the mouth and surrounding structures, and review of appropriate dental imaging. In some situations, additional 3D imaging or a biopsy may be recommended.
If a biopsy identifies a condition requiring additional treatment, your surgeon will explain the findings and discuss the appropriate next steps. Depending on the diagnosis, this may include treatment in our office, continued observation, additional imaging, or referral to another specialist.
Have you been referred for an oral lesion or biopsy?
Please contact our office to schedule an evaluation.