Oral Pathology, Oral Oncology, and Oral Medicine

Oral and maxillofacial pathologists, oral oncologists, and oral medicine specialists help diagnose and manage conditions of the mouth and oral mucosa. They have additional training in recognizing abnormalities of the soft tissues including oral ulcers, precancerous lesions, autoimmune disorders, salivary gland disorders and oral manifestations of systemic diseases. Additionally, they are trained to give dental clearance prior to medical treatments and procedures and palliate any long-term oral sequelae of medical or surgical treatments. 

At Weill Cornell Medicine, we help treat a variety of conditions of the oral cavity. Our skilled and experienced practitioners in field of oral pathology, oral oncology and oral medicine provide the most thorough and comprehensive oral care available.

Conditions We Treat 

·       White, red, and pigmented soft tissue lesions of the oral cavity

·       Minor salivary gland lesions

·       Salivary stones

·       Oral manifestations of Sjogren’s syndrome

·       Oral manifestations and long term sequelae of cancer therapies including but not limited to chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy

·       Oral evaluation and clearance of patients prior to solid organ transplant, stem cell transplant, cardiac surgery, and joint replacement

·       Chronic oral mucosal diseases such as oral lichen planus, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral manifestations of Bechet’s syndrome, and lichenoid mucositis

·       Burning mouth

·       Xerostomia

·       Management of long-term oral sequelae of head and neck radiation patients

·       Oral candidiasis

·       General dental care for special needs patients in the operating room

What Does an Oral Pathologist/Oral Medicine Specialist Do?

·      If you or your dentist detect an abnormality, you may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial pathologist or oral medicine specialist. The provider will take your medical history and perform a thorough oral examination, which includes an oral cancer screening. In some cases, a biopsy will be performed. A biopsy is the surgical removal of a small piece of abnormal tissue that is submitted for microscopic examination. Biopsies are performed in office with local anesthesia. The tissue is then sent to another pathologist who evaluates the tissue under a microscope. Your provider will schedule you for a follow up appointment. At that appointment, the will review your results and either manage the condition or refer you to the appropriate provider. 

·    If you have an underlying medical condition that requires dental clearance for treatment, our oral pathologist/oral medicine specialist will take imaging, complete a thorough dental exam and make recommendations regarding any dental needs prior to your medical treatment. 

Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian is currently contracted with the insurance plans listed below. However, we will submit insurance claims for all pathology services regardless of participation status. You are responsible for all co-payments, deductibles, and non-covered services as indicated by your insurance carrier.

Insurance plans for Oral Pathology  

·    CIGNA
·    UHC Medicare
·    HIP Commercial
·    HealthFirst
·    AgeWell New York
·    Oxford Medicare
·    VNSNY CHOICE Medicare
·    United Healthcare Commercial
·    Rockefeller University – Trustmark
·    Oxford Freedom
·    AETNA-HMO
·    AETNA-MEDICARE
·    UHC Compass
·    Empire BCBS HealthPlus
·    Fidelis Care
·    UHC Community Plan
·    Aetna-NYP-EPO/POS
·    VNSNY CHOICE SelectHealth
·    Empire BCBS HealthPlus CHP
·    GHI
·    Aetna Weill Cornell Employee PPO Plan
·    WorldWide Medical
·    HIP Medicaid
·    United Empire Plan
·    Emblem Select care
·    AETNA-PPO
·    HIP Medicare
·    Oxford Metro/Core/Charter
·    Federal Medicare (CMS855)
·    WellCare Health Plans
·    NYS Medicaid
·    Oxford Liberty

Make an Appointment

Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion. Our team has taken every step to keep our facilities safe for you to continue your care. Learn more about our safety measures and the changes we’ve made to enhance your patient experience.

Meet Our Surgeons

The physicians at the Weill Cornell Medicine Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.