Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including oral cancer. Oral pathologists are involved in the research, diagnosis, examination and treatment of oral disease.

Role of the Oral Pathologist

Oral pathologists check for and diagnose both malignant and benign oral conditions. Oral pathologists deal with conditions that include:

Oral cancer
Salivary problems
Canker sores
Fungal infections
Oral thrush
Cold sores
Herpes of the mouth
Bad breath

When a patient has a suspicious growth in, or condition of, the mouth, determining the cause is essential. Symptoms, such as lesions, that seem minor can be indicative of a more serious problem. To ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate care, patients should be examined by an oral pathologist or oral disease specialist.

Oral Evaluation and Oral Cancer Screening

Because many people do not realize they have oral cancer, a diagnosis may not be made until the problem has become more advanced, making treatment more difficult. With early detection of oral cancer and precancerous oral conditions, there is a higher probability that they will be cured. Regular dental examinations are an invaluable part of early cancer detection and treatment.

Oral cancer screenings may include visual examinations, biopsies and other diagnostic tests. These tests can be successful in detecting early indicators of cancer, thereby increasing the effectiveness of treatment. All patients, especially those at a higher risk for developing the disease, should be screened for oral cancer at least once a year. Those at higher risk for developing oral cancer include people who:

Are older than 40
Smoke
Consume excessive amounts of alcohol
Have a history of oral cancer
Have an oral HPV infection

Treatment can be effective as long as oral cancer is detected early.

Oral Biopsy

When a growth or sore of a questionable nature is detected in the mouth, a biopsy is often done. A biopsy is a diagnostic test in which a tissue sample is removed, and examined under a microscope. A biopsy identifies abnormal cells, and screens for cancer and other problems. An oral biopsy is performed in one of two ways:

Incisional Oral Biopsy

An incisional biopsy removes part of a larger mass. The sample of that tissue is then used to determine whether the mass is malignant or benign.

Excisional Oral Biopsy

An excisional biopsy removes the entire lump or suspicious growth. An excisional biopsy is usually performed when the lump or growth is small.

An oral exam is the best defense against dental problems, and it is the best opportunity to detect oral diseases. While there is no way to prevent cancer, early detection is essential in its successful treatment. Regular oral cancer screenings can help spot any abnormalities or changes before symptoms appear.