Oral Pathology
Oral Cancer Exam in Leesburg
The doctors of the Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery are well trained in the fields of dentistry, medicine, and surgery. They are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat various pathologic conditions of the oral cavity. Despite the fact that oral cancer is more common than cervical cancer in the United States, there is currently no national screening program for oral cancer. Recent research suggests that the best chance of discovering a malignant or pre-malignant lesion in the oral cavity is through regular dental examinations.
Patients are commonly referred to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, often by their dentists, in order to evaluate suspicious lesions in the oral cavity. While the vast majority of these lesions are benign, the physician may recommend a biopsy. This is typically performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, much like dental implants and other treatments. A representative sample of tissue is obtained and sent to a pathologist for microscopic evaluation. This process generally takes seven to ten days, after which your surgeon may or may not recommend further treatment.
Oral lesions:
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. 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, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and often is not associated with the early stages of 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 recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Should you be concerned about anything that seems abnormal in your oral cavity, please contact the Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery so we may be of assistance.
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Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery
Patient Review
I was very impressed at the professionalism of the doctor’s office. Everything was very clean and the staff made the visit feel like home. Once everything healed up, you could never tell that I had an issue. Thank you!
- Kelly C
Patient Review
Having gone to another Doctor for information on what I needed to do with my loss of bone and some tooth extractions, I was overwhelmed with what and how he was going to do for me! The price was over the top and was a very painful experience... thank God I went to Dr. Moose who calmed me down and explained what he thought should be done. The extraction of 5 teeth and Putting in bone went so smoothly I never felt ANY PAIN! The staff was wonderful and assuring me how terrific he was... thanks again to Dr. Moose and his staff... I gave them a 5 star rating all around..
- Kathy G
Patient Review
Excellent! Outstanding!
- Ruba B
Patient Review
I have already recommended them to some friends of mine.
- juana P
Patient Review
Dr. Patel is my oral surgeon. He did 4 surgeries on me in past 10 years: 1. Extraction of wisdom tooth-Involved strong complication with sinuses. There was a hole in gum that caused frequent infection over years. Dr. Patel used 3 layers to close it. After surgery, I had only 2 sinus infections in 9 years. 2.Molar implant- Local anesthesia was used. Surgery was painless and smooth. I never had an issue with implant after installation. 3.Abutment for implant- Once again, surgery went smooth. There was no pain during/after surgery. 4.Re-abutment for screwed crown- Outstanding surgery. Unfortunately, crown installed by general dentist (after previous abutment completed) fell off after 4+ years. I did not re-install crown in 5 years and gum tissue went thick. During re-abutment procedure, there was no pain with local shot, removal of excess gum tissue, and abutment procedure. Surgery took 7-10 minutes approximately. Altogether, being Dr. Patel’s patient for so many years,I can, doubtlessly, state that he is an outstanding, knowledgeable, dedicated, professional, and caring surgeon. In fact, I’d recommend him to anyone. It has been a pleasure to be in such good hands that genuinely heal patients with expertise and care for them. Thank you, Dr. Patel
- Farhanaz B
Patient Review
I can't say enough about the staff being so supportive during a visit that I was extremely nervous about. They really went out of their way to put me at ease and take great care of me.
- Sarah H
Patient Review
Amazing doctors,very professional!
- Farhanaz B
Patient Review
I have been Dr. Patel’s patient for almost 10 years now. I had wisdom tooth extraction, implant, and other dental procedures done by Dr. Patel. All surgeries were smooth and painless. The molar implant has been intact for 10 years. Dr. Patel is a Board-Certified Oral Surgeon. He is highly educated, knowledgeable, dedicated, and completes each surgery with extreme care and expertise. He is a wonderful person, an outstanding oral surgeon. I would highly recommend Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery to anyone.
- Ruba B
Patient Review
Professional,skilled,and dedicated doctors!
- Ruba B
Patient Review
You always do your best..Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery!
- ruba b
Patient Review
I had an accident where my jaw ended up being broken on New Years Eve. I stubbornly waited to go to the Emergency room until the next day around 3:30pm. After I got in and got the x-rays completed they found the jaw was in fact broken cleanly in half. As opposed to the PA calling the "on call" doctor in to take care of this ordeal immediately, I was given pain killers and the phone number on where to reach the doctor the next day. I thought that was very inattentive that they couldn't get me taken care of then or that evening but was a bit out of it. I walked out into the waiting room and my surprised girlfriend and I headed home. I called the next morning only to find out that not only was this doctor out of my network (had he performed it in the hospital it would have been) but doesn't take a lot of insurances. I then asked my health insurance provider to send me a list of "in network" oral surgeons. After a morning into early afternoon call session (yes with the jaw still broken) I had multiple offices on the list that didn't do the procedure I needed. What disturbed me more was there were multiple offices who said they were booked and couldn't get me in. I had one office tell me that they couldn't see me for 2 weeks (in an office an hour away from me) and that when I went in it would be a consultation only. Then they would set a date for the procedure afterword. I had given up and didn't know what to do. The next morning I realize I had left one stone unturned' The Institute of Oral and Facial Surgery. Upon calling them they immediately showed concern and asked if I could be in by 11am. I of course said absolutely. Doctor Patel had moved his schedule around for me realizing the severity of the issue. When I went in the staff was very supportive and friendly to say the least. My family and I were treated as if we had been their clients for years. I went in to the room and Doctor Patel not only took a look. There he was reworking his schedule again. He had me all wired up and set the same day. The process took only about 2 hours from beginning to end. The healing process had commenced immediately thanks to him. I could not have been more appreciative. Not only had I found a doctor that cared for his patient the way he did but a true perfectionist and a professional. I am now headed back for the removal of my wisdom teeth next month as is my significant other this month. You don't find places like this anymore and I would suggest using this office to anyone.
- Kenneth B
Patient Review
It's time to say once again, "You are the BEST!" We thank you for your excellent support and care.. Good night,Institute of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery:)
- Ruba B
Patient Review
dr.patel is a wonderful surgeon:)
- ruba b
Patient Review
excellent doctors and surgeons!
- ruba b
Patient Review
Best doctors and surgeons work here:)
- Farhanaz B
Patient Review
What can I say? Institute of Facial and Oral surgery deserves a 100/5.Thank you:)
- Ruba B
Patient Review
Institute of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery- here's your lifetime stamp of approval!
- Farhanaz B
Patient Review
Excellent doctors.I will return to Institite of Facial and Cosmetic Surgery over and over again.Thank You!
- Farhanaz B
Patient Review
This review is about their aesthetician Gaynor, I have been to several places for fillers and skin treatment. Gaynor is by far the best !!!!. She will take time to explain the treatments, and the results, so you have clear expectations.Also, Gaynor did not rush the procedures, I have had that with other spas, and their pricing is the best around. Do yourself a favor and go in for a consultation, you will be very happy you did.
- Janice W
Patient Review
Dr. Patel and his staff are AMAZING!!! I cannot tell you how much I am pleased with my results!!! I have just recently had my procedure done, from my consultation to post op. I have been treated with kindness, compassion, and caring. You will not be disappointed.
- Janice W