Oral Pathology

Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) is the expert for diagnosing and surgically treating cancer of the head, neck and mouth.

The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that close to 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. Oral cancer’s mortality is particularly high, not because it is hard to detect or diagnose, but because the cancer is often discovered late in its development. Your family dentist or OMS is in the best position to detect oral cancer during your routine dental examinations.

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Properly diagnosing diseases and ailments in the facial and oral parts of the body requires practical hands-on knowledge. Rest assured that Dr. Sharma has seen many cases in his career and is expert in identifying root cause problems.

At times, it is necessary to test samples of an affected area to confirm the proper course of action. Sharma Oral Surgery has access to the finest testing laboratories available and can be counted on for timely results.

These are also referred to as keratocystic cysts and, although benign, can grow quickly. They originate in the teeth themselves. Our clinic has the facilities and experience to handle any procedure required to remove them and speed you on your recovery.

odontogenic-neoplasm-removal

These are cysts that originate from the bones related to the oral structures as opposed to the teeth. As with odontogenic cysts, we are highly qualified to diagnose and treat patients with these ailments.

non-odontogenic-neoplasm-removal

Perform a Self-Exam Monthly

Everyone should perform an oral cancer self-exam each month. An oral examination is performed using a bright light and a mirror:

  • Remove any dentures
  • Look and feel inside the lips and the front of gums
  • Tilt head back to inspect and feel the roof of your mouth
  • Pull the cheek out to see its inside surface as well as the back of the gums
  • Pull out your tongue and look at all of its surfaces
  • Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes (glands) in both sides of the neck including under the lower jaw

When performing a self-examination, look for the following:

  • White patches of the oral tissues — leukoplakia
  • Red patches — erythroplakia
  • Red and white patches — erythroleukoplakia
  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
  • An abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
  • A mass or lump in the neck

Your mouth is one of your body’s most important early warning systems. Don’t ignore any suspicious lumps or sores. Should you discover something, make an appointment for a prompt examination. Early treatment may well be the key to complete recovery.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Are you at risk for oral cancer? Learn to perform a self-exam.
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Meet Ryan: Oral Pathology and Reconstructive Surgery

Don’t risk it. Perform an oral cancer self-exam each month.

Call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma.

Call: 704-541-6070

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