Oral Pathology Exams & Biopsies in Goodyear, AZ

Changes inside your mouth are often harmless, but a sore, lump, discolored patch, or other abnormal area that does not go away should be evaluated. At Palm Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Goodyear, AZ, Dr. Randall Blazic provides oral pathology evaluations to identify unusual conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face, and surrounding tissues.

If an area requires further investigation, an oral biopsy may be recommended to help determine an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate next step in your care.

What Is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology focuses on diseases and abnormal conditions involving the mouth, jaws, salivary glands, and related structures of the head and neck.

The soft tissues inside a healthy mouth are generally smooth and pink. Changes in their color, texture, shape, or appearance can occur for many reasons. Some are associated with irritation or other noncancerous conditions, while others may require testing to determine exactly what is causing the change.

An oral pathology examination allows an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to evaluate the area and determine whether monitoring, additional imaging, a biopsy, or another form of care is appropriate.

Signs That Should Be Evaluated

Contact a dentist or oral surgeon if you notice an unusual change that persists, particularly an area that has not improved within approximately two weeks.

Changes that may warrant an oral pathology evaluation include:

• A mouth sore or ulcer that does not heal
• A red patch, white patch, or combination of red and white areas
• A lump, bump, growth, or thickened area inside the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Persistent pain or tenderness without a clear cause
• Numbness involving the lips, tongue, mouth, or face
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A persistent sore throat or change in your voice
• Swelling involving the mouth, jaw, face, or neck
• A new or changing pigmented or discolored area
• Changes involving the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, palate, or floor of the mouth

An abnormal area does not automatically mean oral cancer. Many oral lesions are benign. However, an examination is important because appearance alone may not always reveal what is causing a persistent lesion.

What Happens During an Oral Pathology Exam?

Your visit begins with a review of your symptoms and medical and dental history. Dr. Blazic will examine the area of concern and may also evaluate other tissues throughout the mouth, jaw, face, and neck.

Depending on what is found, additional diagnostic information may be helpful. This can include dental imaging when a condition may involve the teeth or jawbone.

If the cause of the abnormal tissue cannot be confidently determined through an examination alone, Dr. Blazic may recommend a biopsy.

What Is an Oral Biopsy?

An oral biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small amount of abnormal tissue is removed so it can be examined microscopically by a pathology laboratory.

A biopsy can help distinguish between different types of oral conditions and provide information that cannot always be obtained through a visual examination alone.

Depending on the size, location, and appearance of the area, the surgeon may remove a portion of the lesion or, in some situations, remove the entire abnormal area. Dr. Blazic will explain the recommended approach based on your individual findings.

The tissue is then submitted for laboratory evaluation. Once the pathology findings are available, we can discuss the results and whether additional treatment or follow-up is recommended.

Does Needing a Biopsy Mean I Have Oral Cancer?

No. A recommendation for an oral biopsy does not mean that cancer has been diagnosed.

Biopsies are used to determine what an abnormal area actually is. Oral lesions can develop for many reasons, including irritation, inflammation, infection, cysts, benign growths, precancerous changes, and other conditions.

A tissue diagnosis can provide important information and help your care team determine the appropriate next steps instead of relying on appearance alone.

Where Can Oral Pathology Occur?

Abnormal tissue changes can develop throughout the mouth and surrounding structures, including the:

Tongue: Changes may develop along the top, sides, or underside of the tongue.

Gums: Red, white, raised, ulcerated, or otherwise unusual areas may require evaluation.

Inside of the cheeks: Persistent sores, thickened tissue, or discoloration should be examined.

Lips: Nonhealing sores, lumps, or changes in color or texture may warrant further evaluation.

Roof of the mouth: Both the hard and soft palate can develop lesions or abnormal tissue.

Floor of the mouth: The area underneath the tongue is an important part of a comprehensive oral examination.

Jaw: Cysts, tumors, and other pathologic conditions can sometimes develop within the jawbone and may first be discovered on dental imaging.

Face and neck: Swelling, masses, or enlarged areas may occasionally be associated with conditions involving the oral and maxillofacial region.

When Should I See an Oral Surgeon for a Mouth Sore?

Many minor mouth sores improve on their own. An area deserves professional evaluation when it persists for about two weeks, repeatedly returns, becomes larger, bleeds unexpectedly, feels firm or unusual, or is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

You should also arrange an evaluation if your dentist discovers an abnormal area and recommends that it be examined by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

You do not need to wait for an abnormal area to become painful. Some pathologic conditions can develop with little or no discomfort.

Oral Cancer and Suspicious Oral Lesions

Oral cancer is one reason persistent changes in the mouth should not be ignored, although many abnormal oral findings are caused by conditions other than cancer.

Possible warning signs can include a nonhealing sore, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding or numbness, a persistent lump or thickening, or difficulty chewing or swallowing.

The purpose of an oral pathology evaluation is not to assume the worst. It is to examine the area carefully and, when appropriate, obtain the information needed to reach a diagnosis.

Why Choose an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for Oral Pathology?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized surgical training involving conditions of the mouth, jaws, face, and associated structures.

Randall Blazic, DDS, MD completed advanced medical, surgical, and oral and maxillofacial surgery training and is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

At Palm Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our goal is to give patients clear information about what we see, what additional evaluation may be appropriate, and what their treatment options are.

Oral Pathology and Biopsy FAQs

How long should I wait before having a mouth sore checked?

Minor irritation can resolve naturally, but an oral lesion that remains for approximately two weeks without healing should be professionally evaluated. You should seek care sooner if the area is rapidly changing, significantly swollen, bleeding, or causing other concerning symptoms.

Can an oral lesion be harmless?

Yes. Many abnormalities inside the mouth are benign. Because different conditions can sometimes look similar, however, persistent or suspicious lesions should be examined rather than self-diagnosed.

What does an oral biopsy test for?

A biopsy allows tissue to be examined under a microscope to identify the type of cells and changes present. The results can help diagnose benign conditions, inflammatory or infectious processes, precancerous changes, cancer, and other forms of oral pathology.

Is an oral biopsy performed during the first appointment?

That depends on the location and appearance of the lesion, your medical history, and the type of procedure that may be necessary. Dr. Blazic will first evaluate the area and explain whether a biopsy is recommended and how it would be performed.

Do I need a referral for an oral pathology evaluation?

Patients are frequently referred by their dentist or another healthcare provider after an unusual area is discovered. If you have personally noticed a persistent abnormality in your mouth, contact our office and our team can help you determine the appropriate next step.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring information about your medical history, medications, dental insurance, and any relevant dental X-rays or imaging that have been provided to you. If another dentist or physician referred you, having their referral information can also be helpful.

The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we can assist you with any questions or concerns.