Oral Pathology in Langhorne, PA

When an unusual lump, lesion, or growth appears in or around the mouth, receiving a diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible will produce a better outcome. Oral cancer and disease can present itself in many ways, and our board-certified oral surgeons at Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants can detect, diagnose, and manage pathological processes.

If you notice an abnormality around the head, neck, mouth, and face, or if it’s time for an oral cancer screening, contact us for an appointment with Dr. Salin, Dr. Weiner, Dr. Semanoff, or Dr. Nack. Our Feasterville office is only five miles away from Langhorne, PA, and we welcome patients of all ages in Langhorne and anywhere throughout Bucks County to schedule a visit.

What Is Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is the area of dentistry that focuses on identifying and managing oral diseases, including oral cancer. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we are trained to perform in-depth clinical examinations of the oral and maxillofacial regions, detect signs of a pathological process, and create treatment plans that manage the condition while improving your oral health.

Oral diseases may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). As oral health experts, we stress the importance of regular oral cancer screenings because the sooner we can diagnose and treat oral cancer and disease, the better the outcome. These conditions can include:

• Oral cancer
• Salivary problems
• Canker sores or cold sores
• Fungal infections
• Herpes of the mouth
• Ongoing bad breath

How to Perform a Self-Exam Oral Cancer Screening

During regular dental checkups, your dentist will check for signs of oral cancer and refer you to an oral surgeon for further diagnosing if symptoms are present. This is why it’s important to attend dental appointments every 6 months and perform monthly at-home examinations. With regular monitoring, we can promptly identify and treat oral diseases more effectively.

Here is how to perform a self-exam at home. We recommend scheduling an appointment right away if you notice any abnormalities between dental appointments.

1. Stand in front of a mirror so you can see inside and around your mouth.
2. Using your fingers, gently pull back your lips and look at the inside of your mouth. Check for lumps, lesions, growths, or changes in color or texture.
3. Look at 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

Not all symptoms of oral cancer and disease are painful or visible. This is why oral cancer remains undetected in many patients. Be sure to look out for all symptoms, even those you cannot see, when performing your self-exams, including:

• 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

Contact our office in Feasterville, PA, immediately if you notice any symptoms of oral disease. We will schedule an appointment for you, take 3D scans to detect any hidden oral health issues, and explain all of your treatment options.

Treatment for Oral Pathology

Treatment for a pathological process will depend on the size, location, type, and if it is cancerous or noncancerous. In many cases, we will perform a biopsy on the affected area and send a sample to a lab for a diagnosis. Once the results come back, we can determine the next steps in managing the pathological process.

If the growth is benign, we can simply remove it. To treat viral or fungal infections, we may prescribe a cream, antibacterial or antifungal medications, or a prescription mouth rinse. If oral cancer is present, treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or oral surgery may be necessary.

Our team keeps you informed throughout every step of your care. We offer many types of anesthesia and sedation for your comfort during any surgical procedure and will walk you through these options beforehand.

Where Can I Get an Oral Cancer Screening in Langhorne, PA?

Our office in Feasterville, PA, is only five miles away from Langhorne, PA, right off of Bridgetown Pike (PA-213). If you live in Langhorne, PA, and need an oral cancer screening or notice any abnormalities in your mouth, contact our Feasterville office today.