Oral pathology plays a critical role in the early detection of concerning changes, identifying issues at their most treatable stage before they progress.

Oral Pathology

Our compassionate dental team and highly skilled oral surgery specialists want you to have a healthy smile. Identifying and treating diseases of the mouth, face, and neck is our specialty, and we’re committed to giving you the best dental care using the most advanced technology and treatments available.

Our extensively trained oral surgery specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating oral pathology due to trauma, oral cancer, or other diseases.

Signs of Oral Pathology

Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the lips or mouth, and the best way to prevent it is to avoid or quit tobacco and alcohol use. Good oral hygiene also reduces the risk of oral cancer and helps you smile with confidence.

Knowing the signs of oral cancer is your best line of defense when it comes to early diagnosis and treatment. If you notice these any of these changes on your lips, tongue, palate, gums, or cheeks, call our oral surgery office to schedule an exam:

Thickening of the skin
Red or white patches or lesions
Bumps or lumps
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Chronic sore throat or jaw
Bleeding
Earache
Speech difficulties

It’s important to know that oral cancer is often not painful in the early stages, so you need to schedule an oral surgery appointment immediately if you begin to experience symptoms even if you are not in any pain.

In addition to oral cancer, we also diagnose and treat trauma and lesions on the mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, or other areas of the face or neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oral pathology, and when should I be evaluated?

Oral pathology involves identifying and diagnosing unusual changes in your mouth, including lumps, sores, or other tissue abnormalities. Early detection is key, as some conditions can be serious if left untreated. Dr. Smith will carefully examine your mouth, often using advanced imaging, and provide a clear explanation of any findings. If needed, we’ll guide you through the next steps, whether it’s treatment, monitoring, or referral to a specialist. Regular oral pathology evaluations help protect your overall oral health and give you peace of mind.

How We Diagnose Oral Cancer

Routine screenings in our oral surgery office are one of the best ways to detect early signs of oral cancer. If we suspect oral cancer, we’ll take a sample or biopsy of the tissue and send it to our oral pathology lab for analysis. We may also take a blood sample and perform a physical or dental exam.

If your biopsy is positive for oral cancer, we may perform further imaging, such as x-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to learn more. Our oral surgery specialists will ensure that you have all the information you need to make educated decisions about your health. We will work with other providers on your healthcare team to give you the best treatment possible.

Treating Oral Cancer and Other Diseases

No one ever wants a diagnosis of cancer, but oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The type of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and its location, but may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, medications, and pain management.

Our oral surgery specialists also diagnose and treat problems due to trauma, as well as diseases of the throat and mouth such as infections, abnormal growths, and chronic inflammation. Paying close attention to your mouth’s health and warning signals is the best defense against oral cancer and other oral pathologies.

If you’re concerned with changes in your mouth or have an injury to your mouth, face, or jaw, call our practice to schedule an oral cancer screening or trauma appointment with one of our oral surgery specialists.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr. Justin Hollar

Dr. Justin Hollar is an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon committed to delivering expert surgical care to the Vancouver, Washington, community, which he has always called home. With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Hollar brings a patient-centered philosophy to every procedure, prioritizing safety, comfort, and informed decision-making at every step of the care journey.

Dr. Hollar earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Temple University in 2002, followed by a prestigious residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, completed in 2007. Prior to founding Oral Surgery Solutions, he ...

Read More

Oral Pathology Technology

Digital Records

In today’s modern, digital culture, we are used to having information at the tips of our fingers. Your dental records are no different. Digital records allow us to compare your oral health from one visit to the next, and everything stays safe under encrypted lock and key.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY