Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is 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.

oral cancer word cloud

The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic 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. Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.


Patient Reviews for Oral Pathology

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Chapel Hill Implant & Oral Surgery Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 7 Oral Pathology reviews.

Patient Testimonial

I highly recommend Dr. Hill and his amazing staff. Their service and friendless is the best around.

- Katie M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Very impressed with entire process.

- Howard W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

The staff helped ease my nervousness and they made an unpleasant procedure easy to handle. Dr. Hill did an excellent job. I strongly recommend this team of professionals.

- Nana A

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Will recommend to anyone and everyone.

- Sydnee M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Great experience from start to finish!!!

- Connie M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

You guy are great thank you so much.

- Thomas Harriss M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Stellar. Being a physician with high expectations, I can honestly say that Dr. Hill exceeded them by far. His expertise changed my life. Having seen several other providers who could not help me for my unique case, I found his personalized style and approach to be fantastic. I felt completely at ease with his plan of care, and more importantly, could not have had a better outcome without his exceptional surgical skill. Thank you, Dr. Hill.

- G S

5 out of 5 stars on