OMS Procedures

Oral Pathology

The skin (mucosa) lining the inside of the mouth is normally smooth and coral pink in color. Any change in this appearance could be a warning sign of the beginning of a pathological process and EARLY DETECTION  is critical to treatment. The most serious of these is oral cancer. This is why reglar visits to your general dentist are important. Not only do they check your teeth, but they will also check your mouth, lip and gum tissues and your tongue for any suspicious areas.
 
The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:
  • Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.
  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily.
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
  • Unexplained swelling or difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
  • Numbness of the tongue.
  • Questionable areas seen under the skin on an x-ray.

Not all the above symptoms will have a result in a cancer diagnosis but EARLY DECTECTION is critical to treatment. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. Do not ignore any suspicious lumps or sores.

The first appointment would be a 20-30 minute evaluation. Dr. Angell will review the health history, do an oral examination of any suspicious areas, review any x-rays if appropriate and talk about the best treatment options. If a biopsy procedure is necessary, it can be accomplished right in our office. However, in some cases, the patient may be referred to another specialist who may be more qulaified to treat your problem.
 
Smoking and smokeless tobacco is responsible for most cases of oral cancer.
 
PLEASE NOTE:
If you do not have a general dentist, but have one or more of the above symptoms, please call our office and we will be happy to set up an evaluation for you.