Soft Tissue Pathology
The lining of the mouth, also called the oral mucosa, is normally a smooth, healthy pink color. Changes in the appearance of the soft tissue in your mouth may require medical attention. While many oral lesions are benign (not cancerous), the following alterations or lesions can be signs of a more aggressive pathological process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
- A sore that bleeds and does not heal
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining inside the mouth
- A chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or earache
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Oral or facial pain without an obvious cause
After one of our surgeons performs a thorough medical history and physical examination, he may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is a simple procedure that typically only requires the use of local anesthesia. A sample of the abnormal tissue, or in some cases all of the tissue, is removed and sent to a pathologist who examines the tissue under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. This will help your surgeon determine if any additional treatment is necessary.
Hard Tissue Pathology
In addition to lesions of the skin and mucosa, a variety of pathological lesions may affect the jaw bones or teeth.
Tumors or cysts are growths that commonly appear in the mandible or maxilla and are often associated with an impacted tooth. Tumors are usually solid in nature while cysts are fluid-filled sacks that expand like a balloon within the jaw bone. While tumors and cysts in the jaw bone are usually benign, they can be locally destructive. These structures can grow and expand within the jaw, causing significant problems if left untreated.
Please schedule a consultation if you suspect you may be experiencing a pathological process. Your doctor will thoroughly examine your mouth and its surrounding areas to detect the presence of infection or disease and develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health.
Where can I get oral pathology treated in Salt Lake and Utah Counties?
Utah Facial & Oral Surgery in South Jordan, UT, offers various oral surgical procedures and treatments, including the treatment of oral pathology. We serve the Salt Lake and Utah Counties area.
Contact our office in the Salt Lake and Utah Counties area today to schedule your consultation for Oral Pathology at (801) 446-4428.
