Oral Pathology

We practise the full scope of Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery

Oral Pathology

The inside of the oral cavity is normally lined with a special type of epithelium (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in colour. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. 

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.

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

  • Reddish patches (erythroplakia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth. Or a combination of red and white patches.
  • A sore (ulcer) that fails to heal and bleeds easily. Generally, we allow two weeks for an ulcer to heal before considering biopsy.
  • A lump or thickening on the mucosa lining the inside of the mouth.
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness. Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
  • Swelling of lymph nodes in the head and neck region, in the absence of an upper respiratory tract infection.