Oral Pathology
A disease-free, healthy oral cavity has a smooth and pink mucosal lining. When a series of changes in that lining along with other symptoms start appearing, it may be indicative of the existence of a serious underlying disease that requires proper examination. Here at South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery, we have expert oral pathologists and surgeons equipped with advanced technology and comprehensive experience in diagnosing oral disorders, allowing them to accurately find the cause of the problem and determining the right treatment.
Oral Cancer Screenings
The appearance of lumps and bumps, change in color, pain, or other abnormalities in the oral cavity may be signs of something more serious is going on in the pathology of your mouth. Dr. McMurray and Dr. Arian Chehrehsa are proficient pathologists, providing prompt and accurate diagnostic and consultative services. Amongst a variety of various other diseases in the mouth and jaw, oral cancer screening is available at South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery. Oral cancer often appears undetected and without apparent symptoms. Periodic oral cancer screenings facilitate early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous oral conditions while they are still treatable.
The following changes in your oral cavity, whether in your tongue, cheeks, gum tissue, lips, etc. can be signs of cancer:
| • | White or red patches on the interior of the oral cavity; |
| • | Chronic hoarse or sore throat; |
| • | Lesions and sores in the mucosal lining; |
| • | Excessive bleeding; |
| • | Difficulty in chewing; |
| • | Dysphagia or swallowing problems. |
While these signs can be indicative of cancer, there are other oral disorders that trigger similar symptoms. Hence, it is critical to get an early diagnosis. South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery pathologists perform thorough inspections and histopathological reviews wherever necessary to determine the cause.
During a routine checkup, Dr. McMurray and Dr. Chehrehsa will look for the abovementioned changes in your oral cavity, feeling the tissues to assess lumps or growth not visible to the naked eye. If need be, they might take a sample of the tissue for a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. Annual oral screenings are recommended for everyone, especially for people at a higher risk of developing an oral condition. Some of these risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of oral cancer, HPV infections, and regular prolonged sun exposure.
Treating Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer, when detected early, has high success rates. More than 90% of cases of oral cancer that are diagnosed at an early stage are effectively treated. A combination of treatment options is used, depending on the severity of the case. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are among various treatments that you may require to fight cancerous presence in your oral cavity. However, these treatments are quite high-impact and have various side effects that necessitate addressing any other oral health concern you might have. This is important as oral problems such as periodontal disease, cavities, gum disease, etc. may lead to post-therapeutic complications that only aggravate the situation further.
Since your mouth is a vital part of your body, especially the digestive system, you should administer self-exams at least once a month and professional oral screenings once a year. Be on the lookout for any signs of potential oral disorder, and never ignore a sore or a lesion. If you have recently noticed a change in your mouth that requires the attention of an oral pathologist or you are due for an assessment, call us and schedule an appointment today.