Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is the science of diagnosing, studying, and treating disorders of the mouth and jaw, ranging from mouth ulcers to mouth cancer.

ABOUT PROCEDURE

The identification and diagnosis of abnormalities in the oral cavity falls under the expertise of a Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon (MFOS) such as Dr Beukes. The most common of these conditions include jaw cysts, mouth ulcers, jaw tumours, oral cancer and other soft tissue growths in the facial area.

Treatment INFORMATION

Treatment can range from one consultation (without a need for operation) to multiple operations over the course of several years.

Dr Beukes treats each case according to its specifics. He will discuss it with you in detail and map out the best course of treatment for your unique case.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are symptoms of oral cancer?

Symptoms of oral cancer vary from patient to patient and early warning signs can differ with regard to their location in the mouth. In general, any alteration in the appearance of the mucosa (the smooth, coral pink skin lining the inside of the mouth) could be a warning sign for a pathological process. For cancerous growths, these early signs can include reddish or whitish patches in the mouth, a sore that does not heal and bleeds easily, a lump or thickening on the mucosa, hoarseness or a chronic sore throat, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Can you do a self-examination for oral cancer?

With the above symptoms in mind, it is recommended to perform an oral cancer self-examination monthly to monitor for changes in the mucosa or to discover suspicious lumps or sores. This self-examination is especially important if you use tobacco products, and especially if used in combination with alcohol. Doing this can indicate whether you need to see an MFOS for a definitive diagnosis which ascertains if the abnormality is malignant or benign. The prognosis for oral cancer is considerably better when detected early.
What are jaw cysts and jaw tumours?

Oral cysts and tumours, also called odontogenic tumours and cysts, are relatively rare lesions or sores that develop in the jawbone or the soft tissues in the mouth and face, and these growths can vary greatly in size and severity. They are usually benign (noncancerous), but can be aggressive and invade the surrounding bone and tissue to even displace teeth.
What are the treatment options for facial and jaw tumours and cysts?

Treatment options depend on whether the tumour or cyst is cancerous or not and what stage of growth it is in. Most cases require surgery, but the first step is a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The MFOS is then able to choose the most appropriate approach from various types of surgical techniques for the removal of tumours and cysts.
What causes mouth ulcers and can they be dangerous?

Mouth ulcers are usually temporary and, therefore, not a cause for concern. The most common causes are injury (from accidently biting the inside of a cheek or cutting or burning the inside of the mouth while eating), ill-fitting dentures, braces, stress and anxiety, and hormonal changes. If the mouth ulcer does not heal within 2 weeks, it may be a sign of a bacterial infection and you may need to seek a professional evaluation.