Oral Pathology Testing

microscope The mouth is an area where changes can be seen easily. If you notice a change in the appearance or color of your gums, cheeks, lips or palate notify us. Sometimes these are warning signs of a cancerous lesion.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommend that you do an oral cancer self-exam once a month. If you are at high risk for oral cancer (a smoker, a consumer of alcohol, or a user of smokeless tobacco) you should see a Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon yearly for an oral cancer exam.

Warning Signs To Look For:

A sore that bleeds easily and won’t heal
Reddish or Whitish patches
A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, moving the jaw or tongue

If you have any of these suspicious symptoms Dr. Martone may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a piece of the suspicious tissue. It is then sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. From this they can make an accurate diagnosis of the problem.

©Copyright 2003- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Christopher H. Martone, D.M.D., P.C. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.