Oral Pathology
University Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery manages a wide variety of pathology associated with the oral cavity. Patients are often referred by their dentist or physician for management of soft or hard tissue abnormalities. Soft tissue lesions generally involve ulcers, patches, bumps, and discoloration on the gums, lips, cheek, tongue or salivary glands. Hard tissue pathology encompasses alterations in teeth or bone.
Abnormal changes in the mouth typically are detected early as the oral cavity is readily accessible. Tissue changes do not always mean cancer, but certainly need to evaluated promptly to determine the etiology. Performing self-examinations regularly is encouraged to aid in early recognition. The things to evaluate when performing self-examinations are:
- White or red patches
- Sore that fails to heal
- Friable and bleeds easily
- Lump or thickening of the tissues
Many lesions associated with the soft tissue can be excised and sampled through a biopsy. Hard tissue lesions often are cysts associated with the development or eruption of impacted teeth or an abated attempt at tooth formation. These lesions are often unrecognized until a radiograph sheds light on there existence. A consultation provides an opportunity to review the history (onset, changes, previous treatment), examine the suspicious area and review treatment options.
A biopsy is an office procedure that involves the removal of the suspicious tissue either in entirety or a representative sample. The specimens are placed in preservative and sent to an oral pathologist for microscopic examination. University Oral Surgery utilizes the Oral Pathology services at The Medical University of South Carolina. The biopsy report provides a diagnosis and enables our team to create a prompt and focused treatment plan based on the findings. The treatment plan may range from routine interval observation to additional treatment. Biopsy results are typically returned in 1 week and patients are notified as soon as it is available. A follow up examination is traditionally scheduled to both evaluate healing and review the pathology diagnosis and prognosis.