Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is lined with a special type of smooth, coral-pink skin (mucosa). Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process, the most serious of which is oral cancer.

Signs of Pathological Process or Cancer Growth

Any changes in the mucosa may indicate the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth. The following changes may be seen on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissues on the tongue, face, or neck and should always be checked by an oral surgeon:

• 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

Pain is rarely associated with oral cancer and does not always occur with a pathological process. However, if you have unexplained facial or oral pain, a doctor should always check it.

Performing a monthly oral cancer self-examination is a crucial step in maintaining your oral health. Your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. If a pathological process has begun, an oral biopsy will be performed to determine its cause.

Oral Biopsies

Two main types of oral biopsy are performed to determine the cause of oral abnormalities. A soft tissue biopsy is performed on the gums, cheeks, lips, or other soft tissues of the oral cavity, usually by scraping off a small section of tissue. The sample is then evaluated to a lab to determine whether it is cancerous.

A hard tissue biopsy is performed on the jawbone to obtain a small sample of the affected bone. The area is first numbed with a local anesthetic, a needle is used to penetrate the bone, and a tissue sample is withdrawn. As with a soft tissue biopsy, the sample is sent to our lab, where it is evaluated for cancer cells and other pathologies.

Jaw Cyst Removal

A jaw cyst is a small sac filled with fluid or a semi-fluid material that develops in the jawbone. Symptoms of a jawbone cyst include:

• Swelling of the face or jaw
• Pain caused by the cyst’s pressure on surrounding tissues
• A bump or lump on the gums
• Changes in tooth alignment due to the cyst’s pressure on the surrounding teeth
• Infection, including fever, swelling, and pus discharge

Removing a jaw cyst relieves various issues that can impact the patient’s daily life, including discomfort, speech difficulties, and eating difficulties.

During a jaw cyst removal, we make an incision in the gums and carefully remove the cyst and the immediate surrounding tissue. You will not feel any pain during the surgery, as we numb the area with a local anesthetic and can provide anesthesia for your comfort if needed. If a large area of the jawbone is removed, bone grafting can be done to fill the area.

In the first few days after jaw cyst removal, you may experience mild pain and swelling. If over-the-counter pain relievers are not sufficient, we can prescribe pain medication. Following the post-operative instructions we provide will minimize your recovery time.

Treatment Costs & Insurance

The cost of any oral biopsy or jaw cyst removal procedure is affected by several factors, including the type of biopsy, any associated procedures, anesthesia used, and follow-up procedures.

Ornstein Oral & Facial Surgery accepts medical insurance for all biopsy procedures to ensure the highest level of care and protect the health of their patients.

If you do not have insurance coverage, payment plans can also be arranged prior to beginning your treatment plan. Please contact our office for more information, and we will be happy to assist you.

If you have noticed any changes in your mouth, lips, gums, or oral cavity, it is essential to schedule an appointment for an oral pathology exam by calling us at Frisco Office Phone Number 972-712-5035. The sooner an oral biopsy is performed, the sooner any necessary treatment can begin.