ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY
Oral and maxillofacial pathology covers a broad range of abnormalities involving structures of the mouth, jaws and face. These lesions may arise in the bone, oral mucosa (lining of the mouth) or salivary glands. Lesions may include cysts, inflammatory lesions and tumours. A biopsy may be necessary to determine the nature of the lesion. This involves the removal of a small piece of the lesion by a Surgeon. The tissue sample is sent to a Pathologist for analysis which will help determine the underlying cause of the lesion. Further investigations, such as specialised imaging, may be required before a definitive plan on the management can be made.