Oral pathology refers to the diseases or abnormality of the mouth, including lips, tongue, cheeks, salivary glands and floor of the mouth.
Your dentist may refer you to see Dr Chahoud if you have noticed any changes in appearance or texture in or around your mouth. Alterations in the appearance of these areas could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The following can be early signs of a pathologic process or possible cancerous growth:
- red or white patches in the mouth
- a sore or ulceration that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- a lump or thickening on the tissue lining the inside of the mouth
- chronic sore throat or hoarseness of voice
- difficulty chewing or swallowing
Preparing for Biopsy
During your first consultation, Dr Chahoud will take a medical history and evaluate any lesion or abnormality. If indicated, a biopsy and other tests can be performed to help with diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan. The biopsy can usually be performed at the time of your initial consultation and involves the removal of a sample of tissue to gain a histological diagnosis.
Results are usually available within several days and someone from our clinic will contact you and any further assessment, treatment or review will be arranged.
After Biopsy or Surgery
If a biopsy is undertaken, we recommend staying on a soft diet for several days to allow the area to heal and become strong again.
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Begin normal tooth brushing and rinsing the day after surgery. Use Savacol Mouth Wash and dilute 1:1 with warm water. Rinse 3 times daily after meals and continue until surgery site has healed.
We have prepared a Recommended Food List here.
