Pathology

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 for a pathological process. Your general dentist will examine your oral health and determine the warrant for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluation. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
• A sore that fails to heal or bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening on the inside of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

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 and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. We recommend performing oral cancer self-examination monthly and 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 may help you.

Facial Pathology

As maxillofacial surgeons of NTFOS, we are trained to treat and manage facial skin lesions. Often a biopsy is required for diagnosis and treatment is then rendered. Prevention and long term follow up care are essential for management of these lesions which can reoccur.

Facial skin lesions to observe:

• Discolored areas
• Moles that have changed in size or shape
• Sores that do not heal

Our surgeons of NTFOS are trained to treat and manage facial skin lesions. Often a biopsy is required for diagnosis and treatment then rendered. Prevention and long-term follow-up care are essential for management of these ever growing problems. We utilize the most up to date techniques for care our patients.