Oral Pathology

• The oral cavity has a specialized skin (mucosa) that can be affected by various disease processes. Although natural pigment may occur, the mucosa is generally smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth:

  • Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth

  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily

  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth

  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

• Biopsy is considered the gold standard to establish a diagnosis, often able to be performed in the outpatient clinic

• Pre-cancerous lesions such as dysplasia can often be managed by laser removal in the comfort of the UMOMSA office

• Drs. Donita Dyalram and Joshua Lubek are experts in the management of oral cancer and pre-malignant disease (oral dysplasia) and provide comprehensive compassionate care during all phases of treatment (diagnosis, treatment, reconstruction and surveillance)

• Drs. Donita Dyalram and Joshua Lubek are trained in minimally invasive techniques using robotic surgery (TORS) to access and surgically remove tumors and growths of the oral cavity and oropharynx (tonsil and tongue base)