Oral Pathology
Austin, TX
 Healthy tissue inside the mouth is pink and smooth. A change in the color or texture of that tissue is often nothing serious, but it can also be the first sign of a problem, and the only way to know which is to have it examined. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin in Austin, our oral surgeons evaluate tissue changes, perform biopsies where they are warranted, and explain what the results mean.
When to Have a Change in Your Mouth Examined
The general rule is two weeks. Ordinary irritations such as a bitten cheek, a canker sore, or a spot rubbed by a denture usually clear up within that time. Anything still present after two weeks should be evaluated.
Arrange an evaluation sooner if you notice:
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A sore that bleeds easily or will not heal
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A white or red patch that cannot be wiped away
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A lump or thickening in the cheek, lip, tongue, or neck
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Numbness or persistent pain with no clear cause
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Difficulty swallowing, or a sensation that something is caught in the throat
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A change in how your teeth or a denture fit together |
Risk is higher for patients who use tobacco in any form, drink heavily, have a history of HPV infection, or have had oral cancer before. If any of those apply to you, do not wait out the two weeks.
Types of Pathological Conditions
Oral pathology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of changes in the cells, tissues, and organs of the mouth. Conditions we commonly evaluate include:
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Benign lesions. The great majority of what we examine is harmless. Fibromas caused by chronic irritation, mucoceles, and denture-related lesions are all common. Some resolve on their own; others are removed in a single visit.
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Canker sores. These form at the base of the gums and have been associated with stress, injury, and certain foods. They usually heal within two weeks without treatment.
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Geographic tongue. Patches of missing papillae give the tongue a map-like appearance. The affected areas can become red and tender. It is harmless and typically needs no treatment.
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Hairy tongue. An overgrowth of bacteria produces a dark, coated appearance on the tongue. It is often linked to poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, or long-term antibiotic use, and it usually resolves once the cause is addressed.
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Cysts of the jaw and palate. Fluid-filled sacs that develop in the jawbone or the roof of the mouth. Most are benign, but they can expand and damage bone and neighboring teeth if left alone.
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Oral cancer. Uncommon, but serious, and it can appear anywhere in the mouth. Early detection changes the outcome substantially, which is the reason not to wait on a change that is not healing. |
Diagnosing Pathological Conditions
We examine the tissues of your mouth along with your head, neck, and the lymph nodes beneath your jaw. We ask about your medical history and about every medication and supplement you take, since a number of common prescriptions produce oral side effects.
Many findings can be identified by examination alone. Where imaging is useful, our 3D imaging shows the jawbone in detail and reveals changes within the bone that are not visible on the surface. When a lesion cannot be identified visually, or has not behaved the way a harmless lesion should, we recommend a biopsy.
What an Oral Biopsy Involves
A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. It is the only way to reach a definitive diagnosis, and it is a routine procedure in an oral surgery office.
The Procedure
Most oral biopsies take fifteen to thirty minutes and are performed under local anesthetic. The area is numbed, a small sample is taken, and the site is closed with dissolvable sutures where needed. Our anesthesia options include sedation for patients who would prefer it.
Types of Biopsy
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Incisional biopsy. A representative portion of a larger lesion is removed for diagnosis, leaving the rest in place until the results are known.
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Excisional biopsy. The entire lesion is removed, which diagnoses and treats it in a single visit. Common for smaller lesions.
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Punch biopsy. A small circular instrument takes a full-thickness sample of soft tissue.
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Brush biopsy. A brush collects cells from the surface of a lesion. Useful as an initial screening step, though a positive or uncertain result is confirmed with a tissue biopsy.
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Fine needle aspiration. A thin needle draws cells or fluid from a swelling or a suspected cyst.
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Bone biopsy. A sample of jawbone is taken when imaging shows an abnormality within the bone rather than on the surface. |
Which approach is appropriate depends on the size, location, and appearance of the lesion. We explain the choice before we begin.
How Results Are Determined
The specimen is sent to a laboratory where an oral and maxillofacial pathologist, a specialist trained specifically in diagnosing disease of the mouth and jaws, examines it microscopically. Results generally take three to seven business days. We contact you as soon as the report arrives, explain what it says in plain language, and outline what comes next.
Recovery
Most patients return to normal activity the same day. Expect mild soreness for a few days, manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Keep to soft foods and avoid disturbing the site while it heals.
How Are Pathological Conditions Treated?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Apart from oral cancer, most oral pathology is not life-threatening, but it should still be addressed.
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Observation. Some benign conditions need nothing more than periodic monitoring to confirm they remain stable.
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Medication. Bacterial infections respond to antibiotics. Topical treatments can relieve discomfort from inflammatory lesions while they heal.
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Surgical removal. Cysts, benign growths, and lesions that will not resolve on their own are removed surgically. In many cases the removal and the biopsy are the same procedure.
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Coordinated cancer care. Where a malignancy is identified, we move quickly to coordinate with the appropriate medical specialists so treatment can begin without delay. |
Oral Effects of Medication
Prescription medications account for a large share of the changes patients notice. Dry mouth is a side effect of hundreds of drugs, including antihistamines and antidepressants, and it raises the risk of decay and infection. Certain blood pressure medications and hormonal contraceptives can cause the gums to overgrow or become inflamed. This is why we ask for a complete medication list at your evaluation.
Oral Pathology and Biopsy in Austin, TX
If something in your mouth has changed and has not returned to normal, have it examined. Most of the time the answer is reassuring, and when it is not, finding out early matters a great deal.
Call Oral Surgery Specialists of Austin at (512) 547-6852
to schedule an evaluation, or use our secure online appointment request form.
FAQs
Does a biopsy mean you think I have cancer?
No. A biopsy is how we find out what something is, and the large majority come back benign. We recommend one when a lesion cannot be identified by examination alone, which is a reason to check rather than a reason to worry.
Is an oral biopsy painful?
The area is fully numbed with local anesthetic, so the procedure itself is not painful. Afterward most patients have mild soreness for a few days that responds to over-the-counter pain relief. Sedation is available if you would prefer it.
How long do biopsy results take?
Generally three to seven business days, depending on the type of analysis required. We contact you as soon as the laboratory report arrives rather than waiting for your follow-up visit.
The spot in my mouth does not hurt. Should I still have it checked?
Yes. Pain is a poor guide with oral lesions, and the most serious ones are frequently painless in their early stages. Anything that has persisted beyond two weeks is worth an evaluation whether or not it is uncomfortable. |
