Oral Pathology
What is oral pathology?
Oral pathology involves the diagnosis of certain diseases and conditions, such as oral cancer. Oral cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and better outcomes can be achieved when it is treated in its early stages. We offer both oral cancer screenings as well as oral pathology services, which help to identify unusual lesions and growths as well as test them for signs of cancerous cells. Minimally invasive procedures are often performed to provide you with a direct diagnosis of any lesions that may exist and to determine if they are cancerous.
Why might oral pathology be needed?
Oral cancer can affect virtually any adult, regardless of their lifestyle. However, certain lifestyle habits can make you more susceptible to developing oral cancer. Habits like smoking or chewing smokeless tobacco can have an impact on your oral health. Early detection is essential when it comes to treating the cancer and preventing further problems.
Who is a candidate for oral pathology?
If you, your physician or dentist find a concerning lesion, we can evaluate and treat it accordingly. With an oral pathology consultation, we look for unusual lesions and spots within the mouth. We even examine underneath the tongue to find any spots that need to be tested. Any lesions that are found can be diagnosed with minimally invasive techniques.
What can you expect with oral pathology?
The oral cancer screening itself takes just minutes in our office. We first examine the inside of your cheeks and then lift your tongue to look underneath. Most oral lesions are benign but still require treatment. If we notice any unusual spot or lesion, we may recommend that it be tested. We will test the lesion to see if it is benign or cancerous. If you do have oral cancer, we will help in providing you the treatment that you need and recommending different options. Oral cancer can be a scary proposition, but early detection is crucial in preventing it from getting any worse.
If you’d like to learn more about oral pathology, call us today to speak with one of our professional staff members.