Oral Pathology
Oral Surgeons are highly trained in diagnosing and the treatment of facial/oral lesions. Any lump, bump or discoloration that is new and that does not heal in 10-14 days should be examined. Your dentist or doctor may refer you to an Oral Surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. During your initial assessment your Oral Surgeon may determine the need for further investigation and testing. This may include: special imaging (x-rays, MRI’s, etc), endoscopy, light amplification, surgical biopsy or partial or complete removal and reconstruction.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have extensive training in an array of disease processes that affect the oral cavity and surrounding structures, such as:
Soft Tissue Abnormalities which in the mouth, can be due to irritation, reaction to certain drugs and materials in the mouth, be an evidence of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, or represent an underlying infection.
Soft Tissue Tumours may represent abnormal growths of various origins, which can often be removed entirely.
Bone Cysts which are fluid filled sacs within the bone which can be decompressed, or removed entirely.
Bone Tumors are abnormal growths within bone that are caused by abnormal development of the bone, teeth or tooth related tissues. Treatment can vary from conservative removal, or removal with surrounding structures.
Skin Cancers – basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma cancers are the most common types. Surgeons provide removal and can often provide simultaneous reconstruction to make affected tissue area appear as natural as possible.
Oral Cancer – which is most often squamous cell carcinoma. Oral cancer is largely caused by cigarette smoking, viruses and other environmental factors. Surgical removal is frequently the recommended treatment, often with combined removal of the lymph nodes. Reconstruction of the defect is frequently indicated to restore oral and facial form and function.
Other Head and Neck Malignancies are invasive lesions in the cancer spectrum that can involve various tissues, including bone and saliva glands. Treatment often requires surgical removal and possible reconstruction as appropriate.
Ref: www.caoms.com