Lesson 1Laboratory tests to request: CBC, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), blood glucose, liver function tests, and relevant infectious serology (TB screening when indicated)Outlines main lab tests for mouth workup like blood count, swelling markers, sugar, liver work, germ blood checks, when to ask, read, and how they change thinking and safety.
CBC for anemia, infection, and bleeding riskCRP and ESR in acute and chronic inflammationBlood glucose and perioperative riskLiver function tests and drug metabolismTargeted serology and TB screening indicationsLesson 2Special stains and laboratory pathology requests: immunohistochemistry panels (p16, cytokeratins), microbial cultures, fungal stains, molecular testing where indicatedCovers special tissue requests sharpening diagnosis like cell markers, germ and fungus grows, gene tests, when to ask, and how findings shape outlook and care.
Selecting appropriate immunohistochemistry panelsMicrobial and fungal cultures from oral lesionsPAS, GMS, and other special histologic stainsMolecular tests for HPV and driver mutationsCommunicating clinical questions to pathologyLesson 3Ultrasound for superficial soft-tissue and lymph node assessment: technique and limitationsReviews sound wave use for surface mouth and neck parts, scan method, node looks, blood flow check, limits like user skill and deep or air spots.
Ultrasound equipment and probe selectionTechnique for cervical lymph node scanningSonographic criteria of malignant nodesUse of Doppler in vascular assessmentLimitations and indications for further imagingLesson 4Advanced imaging: when to order contrast-enhanced CT of the mandible, cone-beam CT (CBCT) vs medical CT, and MRI for soft-tissue extent and perineural spreadExplains picking and reading high scans for jaw and soft parts, CBCT vs body CT, when dye jaw CT, MRI for soft reach and nerve spread.
Indications for contrast‑enhanced mandibular CTCBCT vs medical CT: strengths and limitationsMRI protocols for soft‑tissue and marrow diseaseImaging signs of perineural tumor spreadRadiation dose, safety, and consent issuesLesson 5Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsy of suspicious intraoral or cervical lymph nodes: technique and diagnostic yieldDetails thin needle pull and core sample of odd mouth or neck nodes, when, method, risks low, yield, mixing cell or tissue results in full check.
Indications for FNA vs core biopsyNeedle selection and guidance methodsStepwise FNA technique and smear preparationComplications and how to prevent themInterpreting cytology and adequacy reportsLesson 6Interpreting pathology reports: grades, margins, perineural/lymphovascular invasion, and implications for stagingExplains reading mouth tissue reports, terms for levels, edges, nerve/vessel spread, node state, turning to stage and care choices.
Tumor type, grade, and differentiationMargin status and clinical significancePerineural and lymphovascular invasionNodal involvement and extranodal extensionCorrelating pathology with TNM stagingLesson 7Stepwise clinical investigations: complete oral exam checklist, vital signs, focused neurological exam, dental status evaluationStructures full mouth check, outside and inside exam steps, life signs, nerve screen, tooth state to spot illness and pick next tests.
Pre‑visit history and red‑flag symptom screeningRecording vital signs and systemic risk assessmentStructured extraoral and cranial nerve screeningSystematic intraoral soft‑tissue inspectionDental charting, occlusion, and periodontal statusLesson 8Biopsy planning: incisional vs excisional biopsy—selection criteria for a 1.5 cm tongue lesionGuides sampling plan for 1.5 cm tongue sore, cut-piece vs full remove, by sore traits, patient factors, cancer rules for safe way keeping treatment options.
Clinical assessment of a 1.5 cm tongue lesionCriteria favoring incisional biopsyCriteria favoring excisional biopsyAvoiding distortion of future resection marginsPatient counseling and consent pointsLesson 9Biopsy technique for lateral tongue: surgical approach, margin selection, hemostasis, specimen handling, orientation, and submission for histopathologyDetails side tongue sampling, sore check, cut plan, edge pick, numb, stop bleed, sample mark, fix, label for best tissue read and low issues.
Pre‑biopsy assessment and contraindicationsAnesthesia, traction, and field exposureIncision design and margin selectionHemostasis, suturing, and postoperative careSpecimen orientation, labeling, and transportLesson 10Indications and timing for PET-CT or CT chest in suspected malignancy for staging and metastasis screeningReviews when PET-CT or chest CT for guessed mouth cancer, stage aims, far spread find, time by sample and op, how scans shape team care plan.
Oncologic indications for PET‑CT referralRole of CT chest in metastasis screeningOptimal timing within staging workflowCommon pitfalls and false‑positive findingsImpact on TNM staging and treatment plansLesson 11Plain radiography: indications and interpretation of panoramic radiograph (OPG) for jaw pathologyFocuses wide jaw x-ray for bone check, when use, place patient, normal parts, read common ills, limits needing cut views.
Indications for ordering an OPGPatient positioning and artifact avoidanceRecognizing normal panoramic anatomyRadiographic features of common jaw lesionsLimitations of OPG and need for CT or CBCT
