Head and Neck Pathology

Concerned About a Lump, Sore, or Tissue Change? We Can Help.

Head-Neck-Pathology

Strange lump? Lingering sore? Something just not feeling right in your mouth or jaw?

The mouth and surrounding head and neck area can develop a wide range of conditions—some harmless, others more serious. At Sunridge Oral Surgery, our team is trained to identify and treat both benign and malignant (non-cancerous and cancerous) diseases affecting the hard and soft tissues of your head, neck, jaws, and mouth.

What Should You Watch For?

The inside of your mouth should normally look smooth and pink. If you notice something unusual, it’s worth having it checked out—especially if it hasn’t gone away on its own.

Here are some signs that may indicate a concern:

  • Red or white patches inside the mouth
  • A lump, bump, or thickened area
  • A sore that doesn’t heal
  • Tissue that bleeds easily
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Pain, numbness, or altered sensation
  • Ongoing sore throat or voice changes
  • Swelling, color changes, or unusual growths

These symptoms don’t always mean something serious—but they’re important enough to investigate.

What Happens During a Consultation?

At your visit, we’ll:

  • Review your health history
  • Perform a thorough clinical exam
  • Order imaging (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) if needed
  • Recommend a biopsy if further testing is required

If a diagnosis is made, we’ll walk you through exactly what it means and discuss the best next steps—whether surgical or non-surgical.

Conditions We Treat

Our surgeons are specially trained in head and neck pathology and can diagnose and manage:

  • Oral cancer
  • Benign tumors and cysts of the jaw
  • Growths related to teeth or salivary glands
  • Facial infections
  • Immune-related conditions affecting the mouth
  • Chronic facial pain or unexplained oral symptoms

You’ll be in the care of a team that blends surgical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Want More Information?

For a deeper look at conditions we treat and how we approach diagnosis, visit the Calgary Oral Surgery Group’s Head and Neck Pathology Page.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve noticed something unusual—or have been referred for evaluation—don’t wait. Call Sunridge Oral Surgery today to schedule a consultation. Peace of mind starts with answers.

Post-Operative Oral Biopsy Instructions

Pain Management

Some amount of discomfort may accompany this type of procedure. Over the counter medications like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Tylenol can be used for pain management. Take the pain medication as directed.

Swelling

Some swelling may accompany your biopsy. In order to limit swelling, ice packs may be used for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Use ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Numbness

You may have difficulty feeling your lips, cheeks or tongue due to numbness. This is a temporary feeling and will wear off within 2-4hrs. Please take care not to bite your lips, cheeks or gums.

Sutures

If sutures were placed, they will dissolve in approximately 3-5 days.

Diet

Start with nourishing liquids and soft foods. Gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated. Avoid extreme hot foods or spicy food as this may irritate the site.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene remains essential after your procedure. Brush your teeth and gums as you would normally do. Be gentle and take caution to avoid irritating the procedure site. The day after your procedure begin to gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water rinses (1/4 tsp, 8oz water) after meals and at bedtime.

Bleeding

Oozing from the biopsy site is normal for the first 24hrs. You may use gauze to gently apply pressure to the biopsy site for 30 minutes to control bleeding. If excess bleeding persists please contact the office (403) 235-0505. Avoid sucking through a straw for the first 24hrs. Do not rinse or spit the day of surgery, as this may prolong the bleeding.

Smoking

Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 3 days following the procedure.

Questions

Your well-being is our primary concern and it is our sincere desire that you experience the least possible amount of discomfort and anxiety. Should you have any questions regarding your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (403) 235-0505.

Emergencies

If any unusual symptoms should occur please call our office at (403) 235-0505. If you are calling after our office hours or on the weekend, the answering machine will direct you to the oral surgeon on-call. In the event of an unexpected admission to a hospital from a treatment performed at our facility, please notify us.