Oral Pathology
Oral Pathology to Eliminate Uncertainty
Experiencing unexpected health issues can be unsettling. From unexplained lumps and sores to persistent pain, these experiences are sure to leave you feeling anxious and unsure of what's next. Dr. Slaughter offers oral pathology that is dedicated to giving you accurate diagnoses for a range of conditions.
Keeping An Eye On Your Oral Health
Oral pathology helps us find and diagnose things like oral cancer, as well as other serious, chronic oral health diseases. To help improve every patient’s chances of early detection and treatment, Dr. Slaughter provides oral pathology examinations and services using advanced digital imaging and other oral health technologies. He’s also here to listen to your concerns and help you navigate potential diagnoses.
What Oral Pathology Can Diagnose
- Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, mouth, throat, and other areas of your head or neck.
- Benign oral lesions such as cysts, tumors, and other non-cancerous growths.
- Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections of the mouth.
- Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and lupus that can affect your oral cavity.
- Developmental abnormalities like a cleft lip and palate.
- Conditions like osteoporosis that can affect your jawbone.
Oral Cancer Screenings
For most people with oral cancer, an early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference. Because oral cancer can affect any region of your oral tissues and structures, we conduct thorough examinations during your screening. While some early signs may not be obvious at first, we utilize advanced imaging to detect signs that might be missed upon a visual inspection.
Did you know?
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, more than 53,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer every year.
During your screening, we’ll check for any changes, such as:
- Discolored and/or rough patches of tissue
- Red or white patches that don’t go away
- Sensitivity or pain anywhere in your mouth or lips
- Sores, ulcers, lumps, or lesions in any area of the mouth
- And more
The Role of a Biopsy in Your Diagnosis
If Dr. Slaughter notices any signs that may need a closer look, he may suggest an oral biopsy. This involves surgically removing a small portion of your oral tissue to examine it more closely in a laboratory setting. This is a common and important test to help identify any abnormalities, so we can ensure we create the best path to care and treatment if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you need a biopsy, the results will help us determine if you need further treatment for oral cancer or other concerns. Depending on the nature and extent of your results, we may recommend you to a trusted oral health specialist to ensure you receive the highest quality care if we’re not able to assist you in the office.
If you’re experiencing persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, and extreme hot and cold sensitivity, we recommend booking an appointment with our team to ensure your oral health is where it needs to be.
We suggest booking an appointment with Dr. Slaughter if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained sores or lumps in your mouth
- Persistent pain or discomfort in your mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Changes in your voice or speech
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Numbness or tingling in your mouth
