Oral Pathology

An unusual lump or growth in or around the mouth can happen to anyone at any time. With early detection and treatment, we can address the pathological process promptly, diagnose the condition, and achieve better outcomes. Board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Salin, Dr. Weiner, Dr. Semanoff, and Dr. Nack, are experienced in diagnosing and treating abnormal, cancerous, or disease-related growths in the mouth and jaw.

At Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we use the most precise and advanced techniques to detect hidden oral health issues and rebuild facial structures, improving your oral health and restoring your confidence. If you notice an abnormality anywhere in the oral and maxillofacial region, or if it’s time for your oral cancer screening, contact our practice in Feasterville, Newtown, and Abington, PA, to schedule an appointment.

What Is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on detecting, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases, including oral cancer. Oral surgeons are trained to detect abnormalities in the oral and maxillofacial regions and manage conditions such as:

• Oral cancer
• Salivary problems
• Canker sores
• Cold sores
• Fungal infections
• Oral herpes
• Chronic bad breath

Many people who have oral cancer do not realize it, which is why oral cancer screenings and at-home exams are so important. When we can diagnose oral cancer and precancerous conditions early, there is a higher chance of successful treatment.

Oral Cancer and Disease Screening: How to Perform a Self-Exam

Attending regular dental exams every 6 months will help detect potential problems early. At cleaning appointments with most general dentists, an oral cancer screening is part of the appointment, which is why it is important to attend these checkup visits. Knowing how to perform a self-exam at home will help you know the warning signs of oral cancer, and you can perform these self-exams once per month in between your regularly scheduled dental checkups.

Here’s how to perform a self-exam:

1. Stand in front of a mirror so you can see inside and around your mouth.
2. Use your fingers to gently pull back your lips and look for any lumps, lesions, or changes in texture or color inside your mouth.
3. Examine your gums, inside your cheeks, the roof of your mouth, under and around your tongue, and the back of your throat.
4. Feel behind your jaw, under your chin, under your ears, and on each side of your neck for lumps.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer and Disease to Watch For

Some symptoms of oral cancer are visible, while others are not. In addition to growths and lumps, be on the lookout for other symptoms such as:

• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Irritation while chewing or swallowing
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• A change in color to any parts of the mouth
• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• Difficulty speaking or moving the tongue
• Pain, numbness, or tenderness in the mouth or lips

If you notice any symptoms, contact our practice immediately for an evaluation from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We will take 3D scans of your head, neck, mouth, and face, and perform a more in-depth examination to diagnose the pathological process and address the issue before it presents a greater risk to your health.

Treatment for Oral Pathology

Treating a pathological process will vary depending on the size, location, type, and severity of the condition. In many cases, we will take a biopsy of the growth or lesion and send the sample to a lab. The results will determine if the pathological process is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Most pathological processes are benign, but it is important to rule out cancer as soon as possible.

If there is a benign tumor or growth, we can simply remove it. Cold sores are a common oral lesion that we can treat with creams or medications. Other oral infections like oral thrush (candidiasis) can be treated with antifungal medications or mouth rinses. If the lesion or growth is cancerous, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Your oral surgeon will explain your diagnosis and walk you through all of your treatment options so you can make an informed decision about your care. Prior to any type of surgical procedure, we will discuss your anesthesia options to ensure your comfort. As oral surgeons, our experts are qualified to administer all types of anesthesia and sedation for the safety and comfort of our patients.