Oral Pathology Services in Dallas

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.

Dallas Surgical Arts welcomes questions about your oral health. Please call (972) 914-3660 so we can assist you with any questions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all mouth sores or lumps mean I have oral cancer?

No. The vast majority of oral lesions, bumps, and sores are completely benign (non-cancerous). They are frequently caused by minor trauma, localized infections, clogged salivary ducts, or auto-immune conditions. However, because cancerous and non-cancerous lesions can look identical to the naked eye, having any persistent abnormality evaluated by a specialist is the safest step for your health.

Can oral pathology affect the jawbone as well as soft tissues?

Yes. Pathological conditions can develop inside the upper and lower jawbones. These often present as cysts or odontogenic tumors arising from tooth-forming tissues. Because jawbone lesions rarely cause pain in their early stages, they are most frequently discovered during routine digital X-rays or 3D CBCT scans.

What is the difference between a cold sore and an oral pathological lesion?

Cold sores (fever blisters) are viral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus that typically appear on the outside of the lips and resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days. Pathological lesions can appear anywhere inside the mouth, may not be viral in origin, and often persist longer than two weeks without showing signs of healing.