ORAL PATHOLOGY

What is oral pathology?

Oral cancer screening is usually performed during a routine dental visit, is a painless exam and only takes a few minutes to complete. Dentists and hygienists will examine the soft tissue in your mouth and look for any changes that might be indicative of cancerous or precancerous lesions. If such changes are present, you might get referred to our M3L practice for a consultation.

Oral pathology is concerned with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the mouth and jaw areas. Dr. El-Hakim, Dr. Makhoul and Dr. Gigliotti have years of experience managing a wide variety of pathologies associated with the oral and maxillofacial space.

Most of the time, patients are directly referred to the Maxillo 3 Lacs clinic by their physician or dentist for the management of soft or hard tissue abnormalities.

Where to detect possible changes?

• Lips
• Cheeks
• Palate
• Gum tissue
• Around the teeth
• Tongue
• Face
• Neck

Painless and accurate diagnosis

When tissue changes are found, they do not always mean cancer, but should always be evaluated as soon as possible. Pain is not often associated with oral cancer, however, any patient who suffers from facial or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason should be evaluated.

If a suspicious area is detected by your dentist, the M3L oral and maxillofacial surgical team will evaluate the area for a possible biopsy in order to carefully remove a small sample of the lesion and submit it to an oral pathologist. The pathologist will then examine the lesion meticulously under a microscope to determine the underlying diagnosis. Most of the small lesions in the oral cavity are usually the consequence of a mechanical trauma (cheek biting), a bad habit like smoking, or is the result of a congenital defect. The biopsy allows for an accurate diagnosis and will enable your doctor to give you recommendations based on the pathology report.

Most of our oral surgery procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art M3L surgical facility in Vaudreuil-Dorion under local anesthesia or sedation. However, full general anesthesia is also available when necessary with our board-certified anesthesiologist.

Remember: patients’ safety, comfort, and privacy always remain our primary concerns.

Risk factors that contribute to cancer

Research has identified a number of potential factors that may contribute to the development of oral cancer:

• Tobacco.
  • Those who are especially at high risk of developing oral cancer are those over 40 years of age, heavy drinkers and smokers, or users of smokeless tobacco, including snuff. Studies have shown that the death rate from oral cancer is about four times higher for cigarette smokers than for nonsmokers.
• Alcohol
• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Chronic infections

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr.El-Hakim, Dr. Makhoul or Dr. Gigliotti if you have any of these signs. If you are experiencing any pain or symptoms that cause you concern, if you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment at M3L please contact us at Maxillo 3 Lacs today. Our office staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and here to provide you with the oral and maxillofacial care you deserve.