Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with mucosa which is smooth and coral pink in color. It is important to take note of how your mouth and gums normally look and feel so that you can tell your oral surgeon right away if you notice any changes. When any abnormal changes have occurred inside your mouth, an oral pathology screening examination is the next recommended step for identification or treatment.

Signs of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Any changes in the mouth can indicate a pathological process, with oral cancer being the most serious. 

Changes to the mouth and gums that require further examination include:

• Whitish patches (leukoplakia) or reddish patches (erythroplakia) in the mouth

• A lump or thickening of the gum tissue

• Sores inside the mouth that bleed easily or don’t heal

• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

It is important to keep in mind that you may or may not experience pain with any of these signs. If you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms on your cheeks, lips, neck, tongue, palate, or gums, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.

During your appointment, Dr. Nishimoto may recommend a biopsy of the lesion after evaluating your medical history and the area of concern. Typically, a biopsy is a quick procedure to obtain a sample of the lesion. Most of the time, local anesthesia is used. The sample will be sent to a pathologist, who will form a diagnosis based on their findings. The pathologist’s diagnosis will determine the next course of treatment.

If you have noticed any changes to your oral or maxillofacial health and want a qualified specialist to provide an oral screening for you, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nishimoto. We look forward to caring for you.