Oral Pathology

Photograph - close up of dental patient undergoing an oral pathology check up.

About Oral Pathology

Oral pathology relates to any disease that affects the mouth, including the inner lining of the mouth, the lips, palate, tongue and gums. Any lesions that appear in these areas need to be checked by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Why would you need surgery for oral pathology?

The most serious disease of the mouth is oral cancer, and lesions that are found to be malignant need to be removed surgically. Benign lesions that are unlikely to disappear in time are also removed surgically, such as cysts (tiny sacs of fluid) which can form in the mouth and continue to grow, interfering with eating and affecting the surrounding teeth. 

What does the procedure involve?

If you have a lesion in or around the mouth that appears abnormal, Dr McNamara takes a small biopsy to test whether it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). This procedure is usually performed in the dental chair under local anaesthetic. If the lesion is more complex, a general anaesthetic is used and your surgery will be performed as a day surgery at one of our Day Surgery locations across Brisbane & regional Queensland.  

The nature of surgery following the biopsy depends on the type of lesion and, in the case of a malignant lesion, the extent of its spread. Surgery may be followed by radiation and/or radiotherapy. Dr McNamara will talk to you about what is involved in your particular case. 

How long will you take to recover after oral surgery?

Recovery depends on the type of surgical procedure you require. Dr Zeb McNamara will provide you with information about your post-operative treatment plan so that you are clear about what you need to do immediately after surgery and for the days following your surgery. Additionally, please see our Post Operative Care Instructions for more information about your recovery after General Anaesthetic surgery.

What are the risks of oral surgery?

The risks of surgery for oral pathology depend on the type of procedure undertaken. Dr Zeb McNamara will discuss with you the risks of any procedure at your pre-operative consultation.