Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
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. The most serious of these conditions is oral cancer. The following can be early signs of a pathologic process or possible cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
- A sore or uloceration that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- A lump or thickening on the tissue lining the inside of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and on the gum tissue around the teeth. Pain does not always occur with these lesions and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer.
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination bi-monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore any suspicious lumps, swellings or sores. If a suspicious growth or sore is found by yourself, your physician or your dentist, please contact our office for an evaluation by Dr. Klausner. Our office also utilizes specialized non-invasive tissue dye stains to determine if an oral lesion is potentially cancerous and to determine if a biopsy is indicated.
Oral Brush Biopsy
Recent advances in oral and maxillofacial pathology have led to the development of a non-invasive oral biopsy technique known as an “oral brush biopsy“. Utilizing this technique Dr. Klausner is able to obtain a specimen of the lining mucosa of the oral cavity without the administration of local anesthesia. A specialized biopsy brush is used to make a smear of the mucosal cells. This smear is then sent to a laboratory for cytologic analysis. No sutures are required following this procedure and no discomfort should be expected.
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