An oral examination can identify areas that deserve closer evaluation. When appropriate, the next step may include monitoring, referral, imaging or biopsy.
Changes worth evaluating
Examples include a sore that does not heal, a persistent red or white patch, a lump, unexplained bleeding, numbness or a change in swallowing or speech. These findings can have many causes, but persistence matters.
What a biopsy does
A biopsy removes a small tissue sample for laboratory examination. The technique and timing depend on the location, appearance and clinical concern.
Do not wait on concerning symptoms
Any rapidly changing, painful, bleeding or persistent lesion should be professionally evaluated. Screening does not replace diagnosis, but it can help identify when diagnosis is needed.
Use the six treatment shortcuts in the mobile hero or request a consultation and describe the problem in your own words.