Systematic, not incidental
A defined sequence covering every soft-tissue surface, so nothing is missed because attention was on a filling.
Treatment
Oral Pathology Screening & Biopsy
Systematic screening of the soft tissues of your mouth at every exam, with in-house biopsy and referral when something needs a definitive answer.
Overview
Oral Pathology Screening & Biopsy at Monaco Dentistry
Most people think of a dental exam as being about teeth. It is also the most regular soft-tissue examination the majority of adults ever receive. Dr. Sohi screens the tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, cheeks, gums and throat at every checkup, because oral cancer found early is highly treatable and found late is not. Where something needs a definitive answer rather than watchful waiting, a biopsy can be taken here.
Book a oral pathology screening & biopsy consultation
Why it matters
What oral pathology screening & biopsy gives you.
Early detection matters enormously
Survival for oral cancer is strongly tied to stage at diagnosis. Screening is the mechanism that changes stage.
Answers, not indefinite monitoring
Where a lesion is suspicious, biopsy gives a diagnosis instead of another six months of uncertainty.
Clear referral pathways
Anything requiring specialist care is referred promptly, with imaging and notes sent ahead.
How it works
What to expect, step by step.
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Full soft-tissue examination
Tongue, floor of mouth, palate, cheeks, gums, lips and throat examined and palpated, plus neck lymph nodes.
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Document anything unusual
Findings photographed and measured so change over time is measured rather than remembered.
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Review or biopsy
Benign, explainable findings are reviewed at a short interval. Anything suspicious is biopsied without delay.
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Result and next step
Histology results explained to you in plain language, with onward referral arranged where needed.
Who it's for
Is this you?
All adult patients as part of routine care, plus anyone with a sore or ulcer lasting more than two weeks, a white or red patch, an unexplained lump, persistent hoarseness, numbness, or a history of tobacco or heavy alcohol use.
Patient stories
What patients say.
“A patch on the side of my tongue was spotted at a routine checkup, biopsied here, and turned out benign. The speed of getting an actual answer was what I valued.”
“I did not know a dental exam included checking the throat and neck. It is done properly here, every time.”
Questions
Oral Pathology Screening & Biopsy: your questions answered.
How often should I be screened?
At every routine examination, so twice a year for most people. It adds only a few minutes, and consistency is what makes it useful, because it is change over time that reveals problems.
I have had a mouth ulcer for three weeks. Should I be worried?
Most ulcers are harmless and heal in one to two weeks. One that has not healed after two to three weeks should be examined, and that is a reason to book rather than wait for your next checkup. Most turn out to be benign, but that is a conclusion for an examination, not an assumption.
What does a biopsy involve?
A small tissue sample taken under local anaesthetic, usually in well under half an hour, sent to a pathology laboratory. You may have a stitch or two and mild soreness for a few days. Results typically come back within one to two weeks.
Does screening only matter if I smoke?
No. Tobacco and heavy alcohol raise risk substantially, and HPV-related oral cancers are increasing among people who have never smoked. Screening is part of routine care for every adult patient here regardless of risk factors.
Also available
Other treatments at the practice.
Book an appointment
Book a oral pathology screening & biopsy consultation
If something in your mouth has not healed in two weeks, book an examination rather than waiting it out.