Oral Pathology

Normally, the inside of the mouth feels smooth and is a coral pink color. However, if there are any changes to the way your mouth looks, feels, or functions, it is important to seek an evaluation from an oral surgeon, who is an expert of the oral and maxillofacial region. While many changes are benign, some changes are not—those pathological processes, including oral cancer, should be treated as early as possible.

Dr. Galea and Dr. Hammon are board-certified oral surgeons who can detect and manage a variety of oral diseases. If you have noticed any changes in your mouth, we encourage you to contact one of our offices in Reno and Sparks, NV, for a consultation.

Signs & Symptoms

It is easy for many changes in the mouth to go unnoticed because they cause few, if any, symptoms. Without regular screenings, oral cancer or disease can go undetected. It is very important to see your dentist for regular checkups because they will check your mouth for any abnormalities during these appointments.

We also recommend a monthly self-exam of your mouth. Checking your tongue, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, gums, and even the lymph nodes under your jaw regularly will give you a better understanding of how your mouth normally looks; if there are any changes, you can seek a professional evaluation right away.

Common signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• Red and/or white patches of the mouth
• A sore that does not heal
• A sore that bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening of tissue
• A hoarse or sore throat that won’t go away
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A lump on the neck
• Numbness
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw

If you notice any of these symptoms, or any other change to your mouth, please contact one of our offices in Reno and Sparks, NV. We will see you promptly.

Treatment for Oral Disease

When you come to our practice for oral pathology, your oral surgeon will review your health history, discuss your concern, and perform an in-depth examination. 3D scans may also be taken at this time.

If necessary, a biopsy may be performed. This involves collecting a small sample of the abnormal tissue and sending it to a lab for diagnosis. Local anesthesia is often used during a biopsy; you won’t be able to feel any pain while the sample is being collected, but you will be awake for the entire procedure. The course of treatment will be determined once the lab has confirmed a diagnosis.

If the abnormality is benign (non-cancerous), medications, creams, prescription mouth rinses, or removal of the growth may be recommended. If the abnormality is malignant (cancerous), treatment options may include medications, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination of treatments. Your oral surgeon will create a specific treatment plan for you and go over your plan in detail.

Oral Pathology in Reno and Sparks, NV

If you have noticed any abnormalities in your mouth, or you wish to have an oral cancer screening, contact Northern Nevada Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. Our board-certified oral surgeons will evaluate your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan for you.