Oral Pathology

Oral pathology involves the method by which disorders and diseases of the lower jaw, neck, head and mouth are diagnosed and treated by oral surgeons and doctors. At Omaha & Council Bluffs Oral Surgery, our physicians have an oral pathology specialty. This means they’re trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating many oral and facial diseases — including oral cancers.

If you ever notice any abnormalities in the textures or colors of your mouth, it could be a sign of disease, which means it’s important to see your oral surgeon or dentist for an exam and oral pathology review. The earlier oral diseases are diagnosed, the faster you can begin treatment and get on your way to recovery.

Even if you don’t notice any abnormalities at home, it’s still important to have an oral pathology review and cancer screening once a year. If you’re at a higher risk for oral cancer, then you should have these exams more often.

What Should You Expect From a Professional Oral Exam?

During the exam, you can expect your doctor to:

Do a visual screening — looking inside the mouth and on the tongue for any white patches, red patches or sores in the oral cavity.

Feel the tissues inside your mouth to check for any lumps or anything else that feels abnormal.

Take intraoral pictures of any abnormalities or lesions that are found.

If there are abnormalities, further testing may be done. This testing may include tissue removal, biopsy and other tests for diagnostic purposes.

If you require treatment, treatments will vary depending on the specific type of disease present. Our doctors who have an oral pathology specialty will address your unique needs to ensure your treatment plan offers the best possible results.

How to Perform a Self-Examination

According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, it is recommended that everyone perform a self-examination for oral cancer once each month.

Some of the following situations may increase your risk for oral cancer. Please consider regular home exams if any of the following are true for you:

• Using alcohol or tobacco together increases the risk of oral cancer by more than 15 times over the use of one or the other alone.
• Being infected with the sexually transmitted HPV16 virus has been connected to risk of a certain subset of oral cancers.
• Patients over age 40 have a higher prevalence of oral cancer, but the risk for people under age 40 has increased in recent years.
• Extended exposure to the sun or tanning bed use increases the risk of lip cancer.

A home exam isn’t a substitute for a professional exam. That said, regular self-checks can help you become familiar with your oral cavity and identify any unusual changes. Here’s a basic guide:

Look for sores, lumps, or white or red patches. Check for changes in texture or color of your gums, tongue, or mouth lining. Pay attention to persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.

To examine your mouth, stand in front of a mirror with good lighting. Inspect your lips for sores, cracks, or unusual growths.

Examine your teeth for any changes in color, shape, or alignment. Inspect your gums for redness, swelling, bleeding, or tenderness. Examine your tongue for sores, white patches, or unusual texture.

Check the roof of your mouth for any abnormalities. Inspect the inside of your cheeks for sores, white patches, or red spots.

Additional Tips:

• Use a flashlight for better visibility.
• Gently feel for any lumps or bumps.
• Pay attention to any changes, no matter how small.

Early detection is key to successful treatment. Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. If you notice anything unusual, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Whether you have questions about oral pathology or anything else, we’re here to help. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs above, please schedule an oral examination.

Give us a call. Our specialists are happy to help with any of your oral surgery needs.