Oral and maxillofacial pathology is the specialty of dentistry which mainly deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial area. It is a discipline that explores the reasons, processes and consequences of these diseases. It deals with the oral and Para oral structures, their anatomy, histology, physiology, embryology, and the pathology associated with them.
The practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology includes research, diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, or other examinations, and also is important for the management of patients. Oral microbiology and forensic odontology are also integral components of Oral Pathology practice. The qualified dentists that do the masters in this subject are called as oral and maxillofacial pathologists.
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology at KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences began in the year 1985-86 with the inception of the institute. The Department is fortified with latest equipments that not only supports routine undergraduate and post graduate teaching as well as PhD program and research projects.
The department is involved in patient care through histopathological investigations i.e Biopsy reporting of head and neck specimens. The department also undertakes routine hematological investigations using hematological analyzer and blood glucose estimation on referral from other departments to rule out systemic diseases in patients before undertaking routine dental treatment especially extraction of teeth. Chair side procedures like Exfoliative Cytology, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and microbiological investigations are also done on case-to-case basis. Medico-legal investigations are carried out through forensic odontology.
The mainstay of the department however is histopathological investigations i.e Biopsy reporting of head and neck lesions. Many abnormalities, such as bumps, lumps, or lesions may develop in the soft tissues of the oral cavity (mouth) or in the jaw bones. In some cases, these may be harmless, but in others, they may be an indication of a serious disease, such as an infection or oral cancer. When a patient presents with these lesions, a thorough review of the patient’s history, medical history and allergies are assessed. Following which the patient is evaluated clinically. Based on the assessment of the patient, the oral surgeon will decide if the lesion requires just monitoring, or can be managed by medical management, or needs a biopsy for histopathological evaluation to arrive at the final diagnosis. A biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a piece of tissue sample from the lesion for the purpose of microscopic examination that can result in a final diagnosis. The specimen obtained in a biopsy is sent to the laboratory where an oral pathologist will perform a microscopic evaluation and provide a written report that includes the diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis, a specific treatment plan for the patient can be devised. The oral pathologist may report on small biopsies or large surgical specimens like hemi-mandibulectomy (the entire removal of one side of the lower jaw) or in case of cancer, neck dissection specimens.
A sizeable percentage of oral and maxillofacial pathologists’ work is concentrated on diagnosing oral cancers, the second most common cancer in India. The most common risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain viral infections. Oral cancer is usually preceded by oral precancer that appears as white and red patch. Although oral cancer is a grave diagnosis, it can be managed with a range of surgical and non-surgical methods; if diagnosed at an early stage. Early diagnosis and treatment will significantly improve the prognosis.
Since oral diseases are also indicators of other more sinister health problems – gum disease has been linked to probability of heart disease or stroke – the oral pathologists often have to correlate on the comprehensive insight of both oral health and whole-body disease to arrive at precise diagnosis.
Some oral diseases are merely troublesome or uncomfortable, while others are potentially life-threatening like oral cancer. If you observe any symptoms or an unusual lesion in your mouth that may indicate a problem, we advise you to take benefit of the specialty of oral pathology. An oral pathologist can help to identify your problem, diagnose it and determine an appropriate treatment.
The Department of Oral Pathology, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences is celebrating the National Oral Pathologists Day on February 25th 2023; in remembrance of contribution of a legendary teacher of Oral Pathology and a renowned Oral Pathologist; Dr H M Dholakia. His enthusiasm for the advancement of Oral pathology is immense and he is aptly referred to as “The Father of Oral Pathology” in India. On this note, I end by wishing all the Oral Pathologists throughout India- “A Happy National Oral Pathologists Day.”
Author:
Dr Punnya V Angadi,
Professor and Head, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi-590010
