Oral Pathology - Olney, MD
Oral Pathology: Your
Guide to a Healthier Smile
Safeguarding Your Smiles Longevity
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology encompasses a range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, and adjacent structures, including salivary glands, tongue, lip, gum, nerves, vessels, muscles, mucosa, and skin. The oral cavity’s lining, called mucosa, typically smooth and pink in a healthy state, can exhibit subtle changes in texture or color that may signal underlying pathological issues.
While such alterations may sometimes be benign, they can also serve as potential indicators of more serious concerns, such as oral cancer. At the Olney Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we specialize in diagnosing and treating these pathological processes, ensuring the restoration of your facial, oral, or jaw health. Timely intervention is key to improving your chances of a successful recovery!
Precision Diagnosis
When Dr. Anis Tebyanian suspects the presence of an oral pathogen, a potential course of action may involve a biopsy of the affected tissue. A biopsy entails the removal of a small tissue sample, which is then sent to a specialized pathologist’s laboratory for a comprehensive diagnosis. Typically, this biopsy procedure necessitates localized anesthesia and can often be conveniently scheduled during a regular office appointment. Dr. Tebyanian will determine subsequent treatment plans based on the insights provided by the pathologist’s findings.
Oral and Maxillofacial pathological entities are typically categorized into two major groups: hard tissue pathology, which includes conditions such as cysts or tumors affecting the bone, and soft tissue pathology, encompassing issues that impact structures like mucosa, salivary glands, and skin. These diverse conditions necessitate specialized evaluation and care to maintain optimal oral and facial health. Identifying and addressing hard and soft tissue pathologies are essential to comprehensive oral healthcare.
Early Detection for Better Outcomes
Everyone knows that early detection of any disease or serious medical condition can make a big difference regarding treatment options and recovery. Oral cancer screening aims to identify mouth cancer early when there is a greater chance for a cure. However, an early diagnosis will only be possible if you are actively taking steps to monitor your oral and overall health and go for regular checkups and exams.
How to Perform a
Monthly Self-Exam
- Remove any dentures
- Look and feel inside the lips and the front of the gums
- Tilt your head back to inspect and feel the roof of your mouth
- Pull the cheek out to see its inside surface as well as the back of the gums
- Pull out your tongue and look at all of its surfaces
- Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes (glands) on both sides of the neck, including under the lower jaw
What to Look for
During a Self-Exam
- 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
Identifying Oral Cancer Risks
Oral cancer risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, HPV-16 infection, smokeless tobacco use, a previous oral cancer diagnosis, and excessive sun exposure. These factors underscore the importance of proactive oral cancer prevention and early detection.
Regular checkups with your dentist are crucial for identifying potential issues early, even when no immediate discomfort is present. Prompt evaluation at the Olney Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is essential if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms in your mouth or facial area. Our dedicated team is committed to your oral health and well-being, offering support and guidance.
