WHAT IS ORAL PATHOLOGY?

Around 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer yearly. Detecting and treating this disease early on is vital. Our skilled, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Dr. Prabh Grewal and Dr. Arthur Kilkuts, recommend getting yearly oral exams, which include an oral cancer screening. Beginning stages of oral cancer rarely hurt so we encourage you to look out for signs and symptoms of oral cancer at home as well. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Abnormal bumps or sores
  • Persistent red or white patches
  • Swelling on the lips, gums, or other areas of the mouth
  • Bleeding in the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we are trained to diagnose and treat oral cancer to help you maintain your oral and general health. If you’ve noticed any unusual symptoms in your mouth, we urge you to schedule an exam at our Corona, CA office.

WHY IS ORAL PATHOLOGY SCREENING IMPORTANT?

Oral pathology screening is important in order to catch precancerous and cancerous lesions as early as possible. During the early stages, these lesions may be more difficult to remove, allowing for more effective treatment options. When lesions are caught early on, they can be treated more accurately for the best possible outcome.

HOW IS ORAL CANCER DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?

Oral cancer most commonly starts as a bump, sore, or lesion inside or around the mouth. Certain lifestyle habits and other factors, such as genetics, HPV (human papillomavirus), tobacco or other substance abuse, and overall poor oral hygiene, could increase your risk of oral cancer. Once Dr. Kilkuts or Dr. Grewal have conducted an oral exam, our team will perform a biopsy using local anesthesia to determine a diagnosis and then develop a custom treatment plan. During your biopsy, a small amount of tissue is shaved or removed from the suspicious lesion and sent to a pathology lab to be tested. If we get abnormal results or find anything suspicious during your oral cancer screening, we will take digital x-rays and/or an MRI of the area. If oral cancer has been confirmed, we typically recommend surgical excision. At Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we employ the latest tools and techniques to safely and effectively treat oral cancer. After your surgery, our team will give you instructions for at-home care before you are released to go home. Follow-up visits will also be scheduled so we can monitor and review your progress.

ORAL PATHOLOGY FAQ

What can oral pathology diagnose?
Oral pathology is used to diagnose oral diseases within the mouth. It can also be utilized to identify the cause of any existing conditions. There can be various forms of bacteria in the mouth the can lead to oral disease that need to be diagnosed.

What are the most common oral diseases?
There are several oral diseases that can develop in the mouth. Some of the most common include:

  • Canker sores
  • Herpes of the mouth
  • Fungal infections
  • Salivary issues
  • Bad breath

Oral pathology can also effectively identify oral cancer that may require immediate attention.

When should you seek out oral pathology?
While everybody is a candidate for oral pathology, there are various reasons to seek out treatment. If you are experiencing mouth sores, extreme gum bleeding, or any bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing, you may want to visit a pathologist. When in doubt, it is best to seek a diagnostic oral pathology exam.

REGULAR SCREENINGS AND EARLY DETECTION

If you have noticed a suspicious lesion or bump in or around your mouth, we urge you to contact Corona Oral Surgery and Implant Center to schedule an oral exam right away. Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Arthur Kilkuts and Dr. Prabh Grewal are exceptionally experienced at identifying and treating oral cancer. Undergoing regular oral cancer screenings and early diagnosis can save your life and help improve your overall oral health for positive, long-term results. We are also happy to call your insurance provider to help you better understand your insurance coverage for oral cancer care. Call our office in Corona, CA to schedule your oral cancer screening today.