Oral pathology in South Florida
Most changes inside the mouth are harmless and resolve on their own. But a sore that does not heal, a lump that keeps growing, or a white or red patch that your dentist flags deserves a closer look by a specialist. Oral pathology is the part of oral and maxillofacial surgery focused on identifying what a lesion is, and what, if anything, needs to be done about it.
Dr. Ramon Perez-Rosich is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and has practiced in South Florida since 2007. He evaluates oral lesions, performs biopsies, and works with pathology labs to reach a clear diagnosis.
When to have something looked at
Have an oral surgeon evaluate any of the following, especially if it has lasted more than two weeks:
- A mouth sore or ulcer that does not heal
- A white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patch on the gums, tongue, or cheek
- A lump or thickening in the cheek, lip, tongue, or floor of the mouth
- A persistent rough or crusted area
- Numbness, unexplained bleeding, or difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
- A lesion your dentist asked you to have biopsied
Most of these turn out to be benign. The point of an evaluation is to confirm that, or to catch the small number that are not, early.
What an evaluation involves
- Examination: a careful look at the lesion and the surrounding tissue, plus your history
- Imaging when needed: for lesions in or near the jawbone, we use in-house 3D imaging
- Biopsy when warranted: a small tissue sample is taken, usually under local anesthesia, and sent to an oral pathology lab
- Diagnosis and plan: once the lab report is back, we explain the findings in plain language and outline next steps
Types of biopsy
Incisional biopsy
A portion of a larger or uncertain lesion is removed for analysis. Used when the lesion is too big to remove entirely before a diagnosis is known.
Excisional biopsy
The entire lesion is removed and sent for analysis. Common for small, well-defined lesions, often diagnostic and treatment in one step.
Why OMS Associates for oral pathology
- A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, not a general dentist
- In-house 3D imaging for lesions involving the jaw
- Biopsies performed in the office under local anesthesia
- Clear explanation of the pathology report and the plan
- The same surgeon for the evaluation, biopsy, and follow-up
Frequently asked questions
Is a biopsy painful?
Most soft-tissue biopsies are done under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is not painful. Mild soreness afterward is typically managed with over-the-counter medication.
How long do results take?
Most pathology reports return within about a week. We contact you as soon as the report is back and review it with you.
Does an abnormal spot mean cancer?
Usually not. The large majority of oral lesions are benign. A biopsy exists precisely to answer that question with certainty rather than guesswork.
Ready to have it evaluated?
If you or your dentist has noticed something that should be checked, the next step is an evaluation. Call 954-693-0026 (Southwest Ranches) or 786-210-6160 (Kendall), or request a consultation.