Importance of an Oral Pathology Exam
Oral cancer is an extremely dangerous health problem and must be diagnosed early. We encourage all patients to undergo an oral pathology exam at least once a year so that we can examine the tongue and soft tissues for any suspicious lesions, sores, and red or white patches. In some cases, further testing of abnormalities will be needed to confirm a diagnosis.
What to Expect with an Oral Cancer Exam
This comprehensive exam usually involves a visual screening to identify any areas where abnormalities appear. We may take a set of pictures with an intraoral camera to document lesions on each visit. In some cases, a biopsy is performed and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. Conducting self-oral cancer screenings between visits can help to detect and diagnose problems early.