Oral and Facial Pathology
The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.
The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological 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 and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we can assist you with any questions or concerns.
Pathological lesions may also form on the face, most often as a result of sun exposure. The changes can range from benign skin thickening or pigmentation changes to skin cancer.
Dr. Bobo can perform biopsies and complete removal of suspicious oral and facial lesions in the office, utilizing either local anesthesia or IV sedation. Facial lesion removal is carefully performed in a manner to minimize facial scarring. Biopsy reports are sent overnight to a high quality pathology lab, with results being obtained within 1 week.