Oral Pathology
in Dallas–Fort Worth
Changes in your mouth can be early warning signs of serious conditions — including oral cancer. DFWOMS’s board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons are extensively trained in diagnosing and treating oral diseases, lesions, cysts, tumors, and infections at our Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis locations.
Diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth and jaw
Oral pathology is the branch of oral medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and surrounding maxillofacial structures. These conditions may involve the soft tissues — such as the gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate — or the bony structures of the upper and lower jaw.
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are extensively trained in oral pathology and bring a deep understanding of disease processes to every case. Conditions we treat range from benign cysts and tumors to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as the full spectrum of oral cancer diagnosis and management. Early identification and prompt treatment are critical — the sooner a pathologic change is evaluated, the better the outcome.
Types of oral pathology at DFWOMS
Oral pathology encompasses a broad range of conditions affecting the mouth and jaw. Our surgeons evaluate and treat all of the following:
Changes in your mouth you should never ignore
Oral cancer is most treatable when detected early. Many oral cancers begin as subtle changes in the mouth that are painless — which is why regular self-examination and professional evaluation are so important. Contact DFWOMS promptly if you notice any of the following:
Your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. We recommend performing a monthly oral self-examination — checking the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, palate, and floor of the mouth for any unusual changes in color, texture, or shape. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Contact DFWOMS so we can help.
How oral pathology is diagnosed and treated
Our surgeon performs a thorough visual and tactile examination of all oral and maxillofacial structures — evaluating any suspicious tissue for its color, borders, shape, texture, and surface characteristics. A detailed medical and dental history is also reviewed to identify risk factors and guide the diagnostic workup.
When bony involvement is suspected, imaging studies are obtained — including panoramic X-rays and, when needed, a 3D Cone Beam CT scan. These studies help assess the size and extent of the lesion and its relationship to surrounding structures such as teeth, nerves, and sinuses.
For conditions where a definitive diagnosis cannot be made by clinical examination alone, a biopsy is performed. Our surgeon surgically removes all or part of the suspicious lesion for microscopic pathological examination. Results typically take 1–2 weeks and are reviewed with you at a follow-up visit.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your surgeon discusses the findings with you clearly and thoroughly — including the nature of the condition, the recommended treatment, and what to expect going forward. We coordinate with other specialists as needed, including oncologists for malignant cases.
Definitive surgical treatment is carried out based on the confirmed diagnosis. For benign lesions and cysts, this is typically performed at our office. For more complex or malignant conditions, hospitalization may be necessary to safely and comprehensively treat the patient. Our surgeons hold privileges at Baylor University Medical Center for these cases.
Specialized oral pathology expertise in Dallas–Fort Worth
Common questions about oral pathology
Not all white or red patches are cancerous — many have benign causes such as trauma, infection, or inflammatory conditions. However, any patch that does not resolve within two weeks, bleeds easily, or has irregular borders should be evaluated by an oral surgeon promptly. Early biopsy and diagnosis are the only reliable way to determine whether a lesion is of concern. Do not wait — contact us and we will assess it.
The biopsy procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and is not painful. You may feel mild pressure or movement, but no sharp pain. After the anesthesia wears off, some soreness at the biopsy site is normal and is managed effectively with our opioid-free pain protocol. Most patients find the procedure far less uncomfortable than they anticipated.
Biopsy specimens are sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic analysis. Results typically take 1–2 weeks. Once we receive the report, we will contact you promptly to schedule a follow-up visit where we review the findings with you in detail and discuss the next steps based on the diagnosis.
The most significant risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use (smoking or smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption, and infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Prolonged sun exposure is a risk factor specifically for lip cancer. Age and male sex are also associated with higher rates. That said, oral cancer can occur in individuals with no identifiable risk factors — which is why regular self-examination and professional evaluation are important for everyone.
A cyst is a fluid-filled or semi-solid sac lined by epithelial tissue — most oral cysts are benign but can grow and damage surrounding bone and teeth if untreated. A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Both require professional evaluation to determine their nature and the appropriate treatment. A biopsy is often needed to distinguish between them definitively.
Coverage varies by plan and by the specific procedure. Many oral pathology evaluations and biopsies are covered by dental or medical insurance. We accept most major insurance providers and Medicaid at all three locations, and we offer CareCredit and LendingClub financing. Our team will review your benefits before your procedure — contact us and we will help you navigate your coverage.
Your mouth is your early warning system.
If you have noticed an unusual change in your mouth, contact DFWOMS today. Our oral surgeons in Irving, Mesquite, and Ennis are ready to evaluate and diagnose — so you have answers, and a plan.