12565 Hesperia Rd, Suite 2, Victorville, CA 92395Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm760-952-1900
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Biopsies

Oral Pathology

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Chu examines and diagnoses abnormalities in and around the mouth. Abnormalities can include:

  • Any changes in skin color
  • The presence of sores
  • Thickening of the skin inside the mouth
  • Discomfort
  • Chronic sore or dry throat

Most often, these abnormalities do not seriously affect your health and may be easily treated. However, in some cases, they may be indicative of more serious health issues such as oral cancer. It is important that if you detect any changes in the appearance of your mouth or gum tissue that you have the area examined by Dr. Chu.

Oral pathology screenings normally take place during routine dental visits. The oral cavity is inspected by Dr. Chu or your general dentist, and X-rays are examined for tumors or cysts within the hard tissues. A biopsy or X-ray may be taken if symptoms appear to more accurately diagnose the issue.

When examining your mouth for abnormalities, Dr. Chu will inspect the soft tissues, including the consistency of the skin in your mouth, and lesions, bumps, or complaints that you may have. To locate tumors or cysts that are not obvious to a visual inspection within the hard tissues, X-rays will be taken.

Warning Signs to Watch For

These are some indicators that an oral biopsy may be necessary:

  • A lesion or sore lasting for more than two weeks
  • A lesion or sore that bleeds easily
  • Reddish or whitish patches on the gums
  • Abnormal gum swelling
  • Swelling in the neck
  • Numbness in the mouth
  • A lump or tissue thickening on the inner lining of the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Unexplained pain on the cheeks, lips, tongue, palate, face, neck, or gum tissue around the teeth

Many of these symptoms are easy to ignore, but some can be signs of oral cancer. If discovered early, most are easily treatable and highly curable. If you or your patient notice any of these changes, please call our office.

What to Expect During a Biopsy

The area is numbed with local anesthesia, and a small sample of the tissue is removed. Depending on the size, sutures may be necessary. Once the sample is collected, it goes to a pathology lab for examination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that a biopsy may be necessary?

Discovering new sores, lesions, or irregular tissue in your mouth can be an indication that you need an oral tissue biopsy. In some instances, you may not see anything unusual, but you may feel unexplained pain in your cheeks or on your tongue or you may feel like something is trapped at the back of your throat. If you experience any of these changes, share your concerns with your dentist or health care provider.

What information can an oral biopsy provide?

Oral biopsies are most commonly used to identify various lesions and growths, including the diagnosis of oral cancer.

Are there any risks associated with an oral biopsy?

An oral tissue biopsy is a safe and common procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks. These can include bleeding and infection.

How long do I have to wait for results?

Oral tissue biopsy samples go to an oral pathologist for evaluation, with the results typically returned within 1-2 weeks. If the oral pathologist thinks it’s urgent they will call us within 3-5 days before they write up their final report.