Oral Pathology & Biopsy
Rockwall & Paris, Texas
A biopsy may be recommended following the discovery of an abnormality that cannot be related to any identifiable non-threatening cause, and that may indicate a serious disease. To identify the underlying reason for this abnormality, the area surrounding the abnormality is numbed then removed so the sample of the affected issue can be tested in a biopsy lab for further analysis. Once the results of your biopsy are in, you will be notified as soon as possible, hopefully with news that the sample is benign. If this is the case, further treatment will likely not be necessary. If an issue is identified, we will discuss the results of your biopsy, discuss available treatment options, ask you to share your personal treatment preferences, and answer any questions you might have. If necessary, we will refer you to an another medical specialist who can provide you with the high-quality tailored care you need to effectively treat your condition.
To learn more about the oral pathology and biopsy process, please refer to the following. To schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening, contact our Rockwall office today 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 likelihood of survival as high as 90% among patients whose oral cancer is diagnosed and treated early.
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