Oral Cancer Screening - West Central Florida

Oral Pathology Provides Crucial Information About Your Oral Health

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Protect Your Oral and General Health with Self-Exams and Professional Intervention

Your oral health can impact your overall health, so recognizing the signs and symptoms of oral pathology is essential for protecting your well-being and preventing potentially serious consequences. By definition, any condition that impacts this region is known as oral pathology, from periodontal disease and dental cavities to benign and cancerous lesions.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and medical doctor, Dr. Michael Hashemian has in-depth expertise in diagnosing and treating diseases of the oral and maxillofacial regions, including the lips, tongue, gums, jaws, and salivary glands. At Dentofacial & Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we recommend a monthly oral cancer self-exam because your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems!

Early Signs and Symptoms of Oral Pathology

  • White patches on oral tissue (leukoplakia)
  • Red patches on oral tissue (erythroplakia)
  • Mixed white and red patches on oral tissue (erythroleukoplakia)
  • Sores (ulcerations) that bleed easily and fail to heal
  • Abnormal thickening of oral tissue or lumps
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
  • Unexplained numbness
  • Chronic hoarseness or sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing

A Primer on Hard and Soft Tissue Oral Pathologies

Benign soft and hard tissue lesions develop over weeks to months with little to no associated symptoms, so they’re often found incidentally. Ulceration is a common sign of malignant soft tissue lesions, while hard tissue malignancies often present more abruptly, within weeks to months.

Signs of the latter include pain, paresthesia (tingling, burning, or numbness), and bony destruction characterized by a mottled appearance of the bone. If you notice anything abnormal, even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, it’s best to avoid caution and schedule a consultation in Spring Hill, Lecanto, Land O’ Lakes, or Clearwater, FL.

Hard tissue diseases or conditions affect the teeth, jaws, and bone structures of the mouth and face. Examples include tooth decay, jaw tumors, benign lesions, and fractures. Mandibular (lower jaw) and maxillary (upper jaw) bony lesions are more common, while temporomandibular joint lesions are less prevalent. A lesion abutting or surrounding the inferior alveolar nerve is one of the most commonly encountered challenging tissue pathologies in the lower jaw. Malignancies that impact the jawbone can arise primarily from the bone or spread from distant anatomic sites, such as the breast, kidney, prostate, and lung.
  • Hard Tissue Pathology
The inside of your mouth is normally lined with a special type of smooth skin (mucosa) that is coral pink in color. Any alteration in appearance could be a warning sign of a pathological process, including different types of benign lesions or oral cancer. Soft tissue pathology diseases or conditions can affect the gums, tongue, cheeks, lips, palate, and salivary glands. The most common malignant lesion in the oral cavity is squamous cell carcinoma. Most soft tissue biopsies can be performed safely in our office under local anesthesia, with the lesion completely removed for further evaluation.
  • Soft Tissue Pathology

How to Perform Monthly Self-Exams

  • Find a well-lit area and a mirror
  • Examine your face and neck, then your lips
  • Tilt back your head and inspect and feel your palate (roof of your mouth)
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  • Pull down your lower lip and lift your upper lip
  • Feel the inside of your cheeks and back of your gums
  • Stick your tongue out and examine the top, sides, and underside

Schedule Prompt Treatment if You Experience an Oral Abnormality

Oral pathology is a cornerstone for diagnosing various conditions, while early intervention is key to creating effective treatment plans and positive outcomes. Dr. Hashemian has in-depth knowledge of anatomy, extensive skills in identifying and managing various pathologies, and decades of experience performing multiple types of biopsies and surgical procedures.

During your consultation, he’ll obtain a comprehensive medical history, perform a thorough clinical and radiographic examination, and interpret necessary laboratory testing to determine the best action. If you require thoughtful, predictable, and optimal treatment of oral pathologies in Spring Hill, Lecanto, Land O’ Lakes, and Clearwater, FL, rest assured you’re in trusted and experienced hands at Dentofacial & Cosmetic Surgery Institute!

Signs to Look for During Self-Exams

  • Lumps, swelling, or bumps under your jawline and ears
  • Lip sores, discoloration, or changes in texture
  • Red or white patches, ulcers, tenderness, or lumps on cheeks and gums
  • Changes in color (patches) or texture of your tongue

Your Health and Peace of Mind Are Our Top Priorities!

Contact us today to schedule a visit.
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Spring Hill, FL

New Patient - (352) 675-7110
Current Patient - (352) 688-4556

Lecanto, FL

New Patient - (352) 458-6048
Current Patient - (813) 922-1818

Land O' Lakes, FL

New Patient - (813) 536-4860
Current Patient - (813) 922-1818

Clearwater, FL

New Patient - (727) 732-6370
Current Patient - (727) 796-1716