Oral Pathology

There are many types of pathological processes that can affect the face and mouth, including cysts, tumors, systemic diseases, or cancer. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Larson can detect, diagnose, and manage oral cancer and diseases at our office in Norton Shores, MI. He also performs oral cancer screenings. Contact Breakwater Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants if you suspect oral cancer, if it’s time for your oral cancer screening, or if you have been diagnosed with an oral disease and are ready to begin treatment with an oral surgeon.

Signs of Oral Cancer or Disease

The inside of your mouth is naturally smooth and pink in color. Any alteration to the way your mouth looks or feels could indicate a pathological process, the most serious of which is oral cancer. If you notice any of the following signs, we recommend contacting our office for an evaluation so that we can rule out oral cancer and treat the pathological process accordingly.

• Red patches in the mouth (erythroplasia)
• White patches in the mouth (leukoplakia)
• An oral sore that fails to heal or bleeds easily
• A lump or thickened part of the skin lining the inside of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Pain or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips

Please note that pain does not always accompany oral pathology. If you notice any of the above signs, we recommend receiving an oral cancer screening even if you are not experiencing pain. With regular screenings, we can detect oral cancer or disease in its early stages and begin treatment immediately.

Treatment for Oral Cancer or Disease

Dr. Larson creates a custom treatment plan for every patient and will design your treatment based on the type and severity of the pathological process. We may take 3D scans of your mouth and face to assess the facial bones and structures. With detailed 3D imaging technology, Dr. Larson can detect hidden oral health conditions and plan surgical procedures with great accuracy.

You can choose from a variety of anesthesia or sedation options for your procedure. Most biopsies only require local anesthesia to numb the area, but we offer local anesthesia, laughing gas, IV sedation, and general anesthesia for your comfort.

If there is a growth or sore, we will take a biopsy of the tissue and send it to a lab for a diagnosis. Small growths or salivary gland tumors may be removed entirely, while other growths require a more long-term management approach. Antibiotics or other medications may be a part of your treatment plan to help manage or prevent infection and reduce other symptoms.

Oral Pathology Treatment in Norton Shores, MI

Contact our oral surgery practice in Norton Shores, MI, to schedule an oral cancer screening or to diagnose a pathological process. Dr. Larson will thoroughly examine your oral health and develop a personalized treatment plan to manage the pathological process and improve your oral health.