Facial & Oral Pathology

	• Introduction • Craniofacial Surgery • Facial Trauma • Orthognathic Surgery • Facial & Oral Pathology • Sleep Apnea • Cleft Lip & Palate

      The face and mouth are common areas to develop pathology.  The oral cavity has many unique lesions that are best examined and treated by either an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon or a Otolayrngologist (ENT).  The face is important for cosmetic reasons.  At Advanced Faces, we have developed a relationship with a local dermatology group who frequently refers patients for a biopsy or resection with cosmetics in mind. 

     Any growth needs to examined and a recommendation delivered.  However, on the face a benign growth may not need to be biopsied but the removal would be a cosmetic

     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 pathologic process or cancerous growth:

	Reddish patches (erythroplakia) 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  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 and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.