Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is the examination of the mouth's tissues to find changes that may signal disease, including the early signs of oral cancer. Regular self-exams and a professional exam help catch problems early, which matters most for people who use tobacco or alcohol.

Because the inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of tissue (mucosa) which is smooth and pink in color, changes can easily be seen, and oral cancer can be detected in the early stages. Performing self-examinations regularly will help in early detection of pathologic processes. Ideally, self-examinations should be done once a month. If you are a smoker, drinker or a user of smokeless tobacco you are at a higher risk of oral cancer and should see an oral surgeon for an exam.