Oral Pathology & Biopsy
Rockwall & Paris, Texas
If an unusual growth, sore, or other abnormality is discovered during an oral examination, a biopsy may be recommended to determine whether it is a sign of a more serious condition. During a biopsy, the affected area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and a small sample of tissue is removed. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where it is examined for signs of disease or other abnormalities.
Once the results are available, our team will contact you to discuss the findings. If the tissue is benign, additional treatment may not be necessary. However, if a problem is identified, we will explain the results, review your treatment options, and answer any questions you may have. We will also take your preferences and concerns into consideration when determining the next steps. If your condition requires care beyond the services we provide, we can refer you to an appropriate specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
At Northeast Texas Periodontal Specialists, we are committed to helping patients identify potential oral health problems as early as possible. To learn more about oral pathology, biopsies, and the services available at our practice, please review the information below. To schedule an oral cancer screening or consultation, contact our Rockwall office at (972) 771-8640 or our Paris office at (903) 785-4832.
Pathological Diseases
Treatment Options
While any pathological change that occurs in oral regions can be unpleasant to look at and/or uncomfortable and will likely not be life-threatening, it is incredibly important to schedule an appointment to have these changes professionally evaluated, given that the rates of oral cancer are increasing, especially among males. Although scheduling an appointment can be anxiety-provoking, the risk of ignoring the issue, especially if oral cancer is present, significantly increases your risk of having a poor prognosis. The sooner issues are diagnosed and treated, the greater likelihood you will have of a good prognosis.
If you test positive for oral cancer, there are several treatment options available, including:
- Surgical treatment: It may be possible to correct the issue by removing the tumor, depending on the location and severity of your oral cancer.
- Radiation/Chemotherapy: More advanced cases of oral cancer may require radiation, chemotherapy, or both to shrink the tumor before or following surgery
- Targeted drug therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are used to interfere with the growth of cancer cells by binding specific proteins to them.
- Immunotherapy: Uses the power of the body’s immune system to eliminate cancer cells.
If your biopsy results come back negative for oral cancer, there are several treatment options for addressing other pathological diseases, the most common of which are:
- Antibiotic treatment: For persistent soreness from a bacterial infection, a dose of antibiotics can alleviate discomfort and soreness and return the mucosa to its natural state.
- Oral Surgery: Surgical removal may be recommended for patients with abnormal non-cancerous growths or cysts. Though surgery may not be necessary, removal of either may correct breathing problems, improve your ability to speak, and improve your overall comfort. location
Self Examinations
Practice Regularly
In addition to scheduling regular examinations every six months, it is important to perform self-examinations on a regular basis. Follow these steps to monitor the status of your oral health and identify if any changes occur.
- First, remove orthodontic appliances or dentures, if applicable
- Next, stand in front of a mirror and tilt your head back so you can examine the roof of your mouth
- Use your finger to feel inside your gums, looking for any new growths or abnormalities
- Stretch your cheeks out using your index finger, looking closely at the gums and surrounding teeth for new growths or abnormalities
- Prod/massage your neck and jaw to identify any lumps or enlarged glands.
In addition to looking for abnormalities or growths, it is also important to pay attention if you notice any of the following:
- Red and white patches
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic sore throat, hoarseness, and/or cough
- Bleeding sores that do not heal
If these issues or any abnormalities or growths are identified, contact our office as soon as possible so we can perform a thorough evaluation and, if necessary, schedule a biopsy. As is true with most health issues, early detection is the best chance of having a positive outcome, with a likelihood of survival as high as 90% among patients whose oral cancer is diagnosed and treated early.
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