Comprehensive Oral Pathology Services at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is Oral Pathology?

Oral pathology is the branch of dentistry and medicine focused on identifying and diagnosing diseases that affect the mouth, jaw, salivary glands, and facial tissues. These may include benign (non-cancerous), precancerous, or malignant (cancerous) conditions — as well as infections, cysts, and autoimmune diseases.

Our role at Valley Oral Surgery is to:

• Examine and evaluate unusual changes in the oral cavity
• Perform tissue biopsies or surgical removal of suspicious lesions
• Coordinate care with pathologists, physicians, and referring dentists
• Support early diagnosis to ensure the best outcomes

Prompt evaluation of oral abnormalities is essential for early detection and peace of mind.

Signs You Should See an Oral Surgeon

You may be referred for an oral pathology evaluation if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• A sore that does not heal after 2 weeks
• Persistent white, red, or mixed patches inside the mouth
• Lumps or thickening in the cheeks, lips, or tongue
• A growth or mass in the jaw or palate
• Unexplained bleeding, numbness, or pain
• Difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw
• Changes in bite, jaw alignment, or speech

Most of these signs are not cancerous — but they should be evaluated promptly to rule out serious disease and determine whether further testing is needed.

Common Conditions We Evaluate

At Valley Oral Surgery, we routinely assess and treat:

• Leukoplakia: White patches that cannot be wiped off
• Erythroplakia: Red, velvety lesions that may indicate dysplasia
• Oral lichen planus: A chronic inflammatory condition
• Mucoceles: Fluid-filled cysts of the salivary glands
• Fibromas: Benign overgrowths of connective tissue
• Tori or exostoses: Bony growths in the jaw or palate
• Odontogenic cysts or tumors: Arising from tooth-forming tissues
• Suspicious ulcers or growths: That require biopsy for diagnosis

Some of these conditions are managed surgically in our office, while others are referred to specialists for coordinated treatment.

What to Expect During Your Evaluation

• Detailed Review of Medical & Dental History: We’ll ask about your symptoms, duration, and any risk factors (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, or previous cancer history).
• Clinical Examination: We examine the entire oral cavity, including lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and lymph nodes.
• Imaging (if needed): For deeper or bone-involved lesions, we may take 3D imaging scans to better visualize the area.
• Biopsy or Surgical Removal: If indicated, we may recommend a biopsy (small tissue sample) or complete excision of the lesion. This is typically done under local anesthesia or sedation for comfort.
• Pathology Report & Follow-Up: The specimen is sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis. We will contact you to review the results and next steps.

Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis of oral disease, especially precancerous or cancerous lesions, significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Cancers of the mouth and throat often begin without pain, which is why any persistent change in the oral tissues should be professionally evaluated — even if it doesn’t hurt. Our surgeons are trained to detect subtle signs and know when to biopsy or monitor a lesion conservatively.

Who Performs Oral Pathology Procedures?

Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Anna Lu, DMD and Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD, are experienced in diagnosing and managing oral lesions. They collaborate with local pathologists, oncologists, and medical providers to support timely, accurate care.