Pathology/Reconstruction

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. Although rare, the most serious of these is oral cancer. Most changes in the mouth are non-cancerous, but still require evaluation and treatment.

The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth:

• 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

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

Our surgeons have advanced training in management of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors of the mouth and jaws. We are happy to guide you through the entire process from biopsy, to surgery, to reconstruction.

The most common types of pathology occurring in the mouth or jaws is benign (non-cancerous). These include cysts, salivary gland disturbances, and various growths from the cells that formed the teeth. Our surgical team will guide you through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and any reconstruction that may be necessary to restore health and normal function to the mouth and jaws.