Oral Pathology
Florida Oral & Facial Surgical Associates provides oral pathology services for patients in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, New Smyrna Beach, Titusville, Deltona, Port Orange and Ormond Beach, FL.
The diagnosis of oral pathology in the maxillofacial region is an important part of the oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. If indicated, biopsies and other tests can be performed to diagnose the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early detection and treatment of oral lesions greatly improves the patient's prognosis. Lesions may be managed medically and/or surgically.
Here at Florida Oral & Facial Surgical Associates, we provide oral pathology services for our patients in Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding areas. If you'd like to see how patients look before and after treatment of oral lesions, please take a look at some oral pathology before and after pictures. For oral pathology prices and other information, give us a call today.
Why is Oral Pathology Important?
Because the mouth is a region where changes can be easily seen, oral cancer can be detected in its early stages. Performing a self-examination regularly will help in the early recognition and detection of oral cancer, and increase the chance for cure.
Research has identified a number of factors that may contribute to the development of oral cancer. The most common are the use of tobacco and alcohol. Others include poor oral hygiene, irritation caused by ill-fitting dentures and rough surfaces on teeth, poor nutrition, some chronic infections and combinations of these factors. To see what a dramatic difference oral surgery can make once a problem is diagnosed, take a moment to browse some oral pathology before and after pictures.
What is the Oral Pathology Procedure?
If the oral and maxillofacial surgeon agrees that something looks suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy involves the removal of a piece of the suspicious tissue, which is then sent to a pathology laboratory for a microscopic examination that will accurately diagnose the problem. The biopsy report not only helps establish a diagnosis, but also enables the doctor to develop a specific plan of treatment.
Keep in mind that your mouth is one of your body's most important early warning systems. Don't ignore any suspicious lumps or sores. Should you discover something, make an appointment for a prompt examination. Early treatment may well be the key to complete recovery.
Am I a Candidate for Oral Pathology?
Studies have shown that the death rate from oral cancer is about four times higher for cigarette smokers than for nonsmokers. So if you are a smoker, you are definitely a good candidate for oral pathology. It is also widely believed in the medical field that the heat generated by smoking pipes and cigars irritates the mouth and can lead to lip cancer. Those at an especially high risk of developing oral cancer are over 40 years of age, heavy drinkers and smokers, or users of smokeless tobacco, including snuff.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend that everyone perform an oral cancer self-exam each month. If you are at high risk for oral cancer - smoker, consumer of alcohol, user of smokeless tobacco, or snuff - you should see your general dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an annual oral pathology exam.
When performing an oral cancer self-examination, look for the following:
- White patches of the oral tissues – leukoplakia
- Red patches – erythroplakia
- Red and white patches – erythroleukoplakia
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- An abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- A mass or lump in the neck
What are Oral Pathology Costs?
Oral pathology costs depend greatly on the patient and the extent of the damage and/or biopsies that need to be taken. To obtain an accurate estimate, we suggest meeting with one of our surgeons for a one-on-one consultation. Call us today and a member of our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to set that up for you at your earliest convenience.
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