Oral Pathology Services

Our Services

Our oral pathologists offer in-person evaluations for patients with oral diseases, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, infections, and cancers/pre-cancers.

Conditions We Evaluate

• Precancerous and cancerous changes: white or red patches (leukoplakia, erythroplakia), dysplasia and oral cancer
• Autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases: oral lichen planus, pemphigoid, pemphigus and lupus
• Ulcers and inflammatory conditions: recurring canker sores, non-healing sores and reactions to medications or dental materials
• Infections: fungal (thrush), viral (herpes, HPV) and other oral infections
• Lumps, bumps and growths: benign soft-tissue growths, salivary gland swellings and pigmented spots
• Oral signs of systemic disease and treatment: mouth changes linked to medical conditions, medications, chemotherapy or radiation

Meet Our Team

Our pathologists have extensive expertise in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, are on the faculty of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, hold leadership roles in academic and national dental organizations, and are widely published in medical and dental peer-reviewed journals.

For Referring Providers

If you are a referring dentist or physician and you have patients whom you would like to refer for in-person clinical oral pathology consultations, please:

1. Download and complete a Tufts Oral Pathology Services Clinical Referral Form.
2. Email, mail, and/or fax* a completed Referral Form and the patient's relevant medical with Drs. records, including photographs and/or radiographs, to Tufts.

Mail

Tufts Oral Pathology
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
1 Kneeland Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02111

Fax: * 617-636-3831

*Clinical notes and referral forms may be faxed; please send photographs or radiographs only by email or mail.

Please note: We no longer accept external biopsies for analysis. Biopsies must be performed on site by our providers to be evaluated by our oral pathologists.

Learn more about referrals

For Patients

Step 1: Talk to Your Insurance

Before scheduling, contact your medical insurance company to see if they cover appointments with Dr. Mark Lerman or Dr. Reshma Menon at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. A referral form will be needed from your primary care physicians team.

Step 2: Book Your Appointment

You may schedule an appointment at Tufts' Oral Pathology Clinic by calling 617-636-3932.

Step 3: What to Expect

At your first visit, an oral pathologist will review your health history and do a thorough exam of your mouth, head and neck. If we need more information, we may take a small tissue sample (a biopsy) here in our clinic at a subsequent appointment. You'll usually get results within 7-10 days. Many conditions need ongoing care, so we'll schedule follow-up visits as needed and keep your care coordinated with your dentist and physician.

What to Bring

• A list of your current medications
• Your insurance card and a photo ID
• Any referral letters, records, or images (photos or X-rays) from other providers
• Notes on your symptoms, such as when they started and what makes them better or worse

Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork. Plan for your first visit to take about 60 minutes.

Directions and Contact Us

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
1 Kneeland Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 021111

Phone: 617-636-3932
Fax: 617-636-3831

Find Directions and Contact Information

Campus Map