Oral Pathology
What is Oral Pathology?
Oral pathology refers to any disease that can develop inside the mouth, salivary glands, or jaws. While many oral pathologies are benign (non-cancerous), you should get an early evaluation and proper treatment of any oral irregularities in order to avoid severe complications or the need for a more extensive surgical procedure. These pathologic lesions can be present on – or within – the intraoral soft and hard tissues. Specifically, they may invade or occur in the following soft tissue areas: mucosa, salivary glands, muscle, nerves, and lymph tissue or the hard tissue areas of bone (mandible and maxilla) and teeth.
If you notice an irregularity inside of your mouth or are referred to Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery for an oral evaluation, you can have peace of mind in knowing that your oral health is being closely examined by Dr. Williams. We believe each patient deserves exceptional care and we take the time to explain options for treatment and collaborate with your local doctors. If needed or requested, we can help arrange coordination of services with tertiary academic institutions as well.
Early Detection and Treatment
Typical Pathology Symptoms
- A chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
- A sore that does not heal and bleeds easily lasting over two weeks
- Numbness / possible swelling involving the mouth, lips and other facial areas
- Thicker portions of the skin in the mouth or lumps developing
- Bad breath, pain when talking / eating
Sources, Often Unknown
- Genetics, congenital conditions
- Blocked salivary glands
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and HPV
- Poor oral hygiene
- Trauma or repetitive irritation to cheek or lip
- Candidiasis (Thrush)
- Precancerous or oral cancer lesions
Early Intervention Benefits
- Early detection of oral cancer
- Accurate diagnosis of abnormalities
- Guided treatment planning
- Coordinated care and improved patient outcomes
- Minimally invasive biopsy procedures
- Peace of mind through screening
- Monitoring of chronic conditions
- Detection of hidden infections or cysts
- Prevention of more extensive surgery later in life
What Should I Expect at My Consultation?
Evaluation
Typically, a pathology consultation involves a complete medical and oral examination, 3D cone beam imaging, and oral pictures. If warranted, our team will request from your medical and dental providers, past medical records for patients that have an earlier diagnosis of cancer, earlier imaging studies and intraoral pictures. These appointments are essential for early detection and accurate diagnosis, leading to timely and effective treatment.
Diagnosis
If the area of concern appears benign and does not require immediate treatment or biopsy, Dr. Williams may recommend monitoring with regular hygiene appointments, follow up with our office, or identifying the type of pathology that day and beginning treatment. If further evaluation is needed, a biopsy will be recommended. A same day biopsy is typically available in our office. Prior to any procedure, our administrative team will reach out to your medical insurance company to determine if the procedure requires preauthorization.
Soft Tissue Biopsy
The procedure involves removing a small sample of tissue or the entire area of concern for laboratory analysis to determine if it is benign, precancerous, or malignant. The biopsy procedure is typically quick, often completed in under 30 minutes, and is usually performed under local anesthesia to numb the area. A follow up appointment will be scheduled for a return visit.
Results & Treatment Plan
Once results are available, Dr. Williams will explain at your schedule follow up appointment the findings and recommend next steps of care. This plan may include continued observation by your general dentist or our office, additional medical or surgical treatment, or a referral to a head and neck surgical oncology specialist if needed.
Follow-Up Care
Dr. Williams and our team are partners with each patient during their treatment journey to provide personal care, coordination, and communication. Patients should never wait to address potential issues — early detection is key to successful treatment and overall health.
Types of Soft Tissue Biopsies
It is recommended to biopsy a lesion that persists for greater than two weeks after removal of suspected causes. An incisional biopsy is done when just a piece of a lesion is removed, and an excisional biopsy is when the entire visible lesion is sent for evaluation.
Common Oral Pathology
Some of the most common oral lesions are a mucocele, irritation fibroma, pyogenic granuloma, and squamous papilloma sometimes called an oral wart.
A mucocele occurs when one of the thousands of tiny minor salivary glands lining the mouth is damaged from biting trauma and becomes a recurring spongy swelling most often on the lip, cheek, or tongue. Although it may come and go, surgical removal with an excisional biopsy is usually needed for resolution.
An irritation fibroma is a firm fibrotic bump or tag of tissue that develops usually after biting or chewing trauma. This gum lesion may be thought of as thickened scar tissue from trauma. Again, excisional biopsy is usually curative unless the area continues to be traumatized.
A pyogenic granuloma is usually a chronically irritated area with disturbed healing and more of an abnormal exaggerated healing response. Excisional biopsy is curative if the chronic irritation is addressed.
A squamous papilloma is a growth of mucosa in response to virally induced local irritation. An excisional biopsy is diagnostic and curative as well.
Hard Tissue Biopsies
Hard tissue oral biopsies involve surgically removal of bone or tissue from within the jawbone or teeth for lab analysis to definitively diagnose conditions like cysts, tumors, or infections affecting the hard tissues of the mouth. These biopsies are typically performed under IV sedation in the office or general anesthesia in an outpatient hospital facility.
At Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery, board certified, oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Bart D. Williams III, uses advanced diagnostic techniques, including biopsies, to evaluate suspicious areas and ensure timely, accurate treatment. His expertise in oral pathology plays a critical role in detecting serious conditions early and providing patients with the best possible outcomes. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Why choose Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery?
Our team is committed to supporting you and your family every step of the way with the highest standard in oral surgery and exceptional healthcare.
Our Locations
Conveniently providing care to patients throughout South Carolina and North Carolina.
Greenville SC • Simpsonville SC • Greer SC • Powdersville SC • Easley SC • Liberty SC • Pickens SC • Seneca SC • Clemson SC • Five Forks SC • Taylors SC • Mauldin SC • Fountain Inn SC • Brevard NC • Hendersonville NC • Asheville NC • Highlands NC • Cashiers NC • Arden NC • Flat Rock NC • Mills River NC
Greenville, SC
39 Brendan Way
Greenville, SC 29615
Mon - Thu: 8am - 5pm
Fri: 8am - 2pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
Brevard, NC
4 Market Street #4204
Brevard, NC 28712
Mon - Thu: 8am - 5pm
Fri: 8am - 2pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
We will always schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day. For information on how to get to our offices, visit our map and directions page for our Greenville, SC Office or our Brevard, NC Office.