Oral Pathology: Detecting Early Signs of Disease
Gaining an understanding of what oral pathology entails and knowing where to seek expert care can make all the difference in early diagnosis and treatment.
What Is Oral Pathology?
Broadly speaking, oral pathology encompasses the study and diagnosis of diseases that affect the oral and maxillofacial regions. This includes identifying abnormal growths, lesions, and tissue changes that might be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Because abnormalities in the mouth may be subtle at first, a skilled clinician must combine visual inspection, imaging, and microscopic evaluation to reach an accurate diagnosis. But many patients first notice symptoms themselves: a persistent sore, discoloration, lump, or ulceration that doesn’t heal. These are classic warning signs that should prompt further evaluation.
Early Warning Signs in the Mouth
Some of the red flags you should watch out for include:
- A patch of white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) discoloration
- An ulcer or sore that persists for more than two weeks without healing
- A firm lump or thickening in the cheek, tongue, or floor of the mouth
- Numbness, pain, or difficulty in swallowing or speaking
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Changes in the texture or color of gum tissue or the lining of the mouth
Because symptoms like pain or discomfort may be absent early on, regular dental checkups are instrumental. Dentists often detect suspicious lesions during routine exams and refer patients to specialists for further evaluation.
Mouth Lesion Biopsy: Key to Diagnosis
One of the most definitive diagnostic tools in oral pathology is the biopsy of a mouth lesion. Dentists may refer patients to an oral surgeon for this procedure when a lesion appears suspicious.
During a biopsy, the surgeon removes a small portion, or sometimes all, of the lesion and sends it to a pathology lab for microscopic evaluation. At Jackson Oral Surgery, specialists who can perform a mouth lesion biopsy in Metairie, LA, for their patients submit specimens to the LSU Oral Pathology Department for detailed analysis.
Typically, LSU returns the results within about two weeks, at which point further management plans are made. Depending on the outcome, approaches may range from simple lesion monitoring to surgical excision, radiation therapy, or other treatments.
Why Choose Jackson Oral Surgery in Metairie, LA?
When seeking care for oral pathology in Metairie, LA, including workups or mouth lesion biopsies, Jackson Oral Surgery is a reputable provider. Their practice handles referrals for suspicious oral lesions, provides surgical biopsy services, and collaborates with pathology departments for accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Walter Jackson is board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and has received specialized training in advanced diagnostics and patient comfort techniques.
By combining advanced imaging, intraoral photography, and surgical technique, Jackson Oral Surgery offers patients in Metairie access to quality oral pathology evaluation and treatment.