Oral Pathology (Biopsy) in Dallas, TX

Oral pathology is the area of dentistry that focuses on diseases and conditions affecting the mouth, head, and neck, including oral cancer, precancerous lesions, and other abnormalities. Oral cancer is a concerning condition that, when diagnosed early on, can often be treated and managed. At PURE Oral Surgery, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a vast amount of experience and expertise in treating all forms of dental pathology and are a trusted source for oral cancer treatment among referring doctors and patients alike. If you or a loved one has suspicious bumps or lesions in or around the mouth, sores that don't heal, or other signs of oral cancer, please schedule a visit at one of our DFW oral surgery practices for an oral pathology exam.

Around 50,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, making routine oral cancer exams and decisive professional care extremely important to the health and lives of many Dallas, TX area patients. While not every abnormality in the mouth is cancerous, it's essential to have any persistent or new areas of concerns assessed as soon as possible. Oral cancer can develop anywhere in or around the mouth, including on the lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, the floor of the mouth, gum tissues, jawbone, palate, and salivary glands. There are a number of factors that may elevate your risk for oral cancer, including:

• Genetics
• Sun exposure
• Poor oral health
• History of cancer
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Systemic health conditions
• Tobacco products (all types)
• Excessive alcohol consumption

While a number of irregularities that occur within the head, neck, and mouth are benign in nature, a professional oral pathology exam may be required to rule out any health concerns. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer are:

• Red or white areas
• Rough or raised patches of tissue
• Sores that bleed or fail to heal
• Nodules, bumps, or lesions
• Masses or lumps in the neck area
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty or the inability to swallow

A thorough oral pathology screening will be performed during your consultation, which may also include 3D digital imaging or other diagnostic processes. If an abnormal or suspicious area is identified, our oral surgeons may take a biopsy or remove the lesion altogether and have it tested to determine its pathology. Depending on the results, a more in-depth evaluation may be performed or oral cancer treatment may be recommended. Our team will work closely with your general dentist, medical physician, or another healthcare practitioner to ensure you receive the highest quality care for your needs. We will also explain how to perform periodic self-oral cancer exams at home to help you identify any other irregularities that may develop over time.

We understand that an oral cancer diagnosis can be a very difficult time for our patients and strive to provide the highest quality of personalized, affordable care. Our knowledgeable billing team will review your insurance plan to help maximize your coverage and let you know of any estimated oral cancer treatment costs. Please reach out to our friendly team to learn more about the convenient payment options available at our oral surgery practices.

Treating oral cancer lesions and other abnormalities affecting the mouth, head, or neck as soon as possible can offer a more favorable prognosis for your overall health and well-being. When addressed early, oral pathologies can often be managed and prevented from progressing, preserving your quality of life. Please contact PURE Oral Surgery in Dallas, TX for more information on oral cancer treatment, cost or to schedule a dental pathology screening with one of our oral cancer specialists.