Oral Pathology

Oral cancer and disease can present itself in many ways. Sometimes, there are no noticeable symptoms and patients are unaware they have oral cancer until it has severely progressed. With regular dental checkups and oral cancer screenings, you can quickly address any abnormalities and rule out oral cancer. The sooner we can diagnose oral cancer or disease, the better the outcome.

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Ahn is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of oral pathology. Oral pathologies include benign lesions to malignant lesions. The majority of oral lesions are benign, but caution should be taken to evaluate all oral lesions and abnormalities. Contact OC Oral Surgery in Aliso Viejo, CA, if you suspect oral cancer or to schedule an oral cancer screening.

Signs of a Pathological Process

The inside of your mouth should be a coral pink color and feel smooth. Any changes in the way your mouth looks or feels may indicate the presence of a pathological process, such as:

• Red or white patches
• A sore that does not heal or bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening of the lining of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing food

Oral cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms, so although you may not notice any changes, signs of oral cancer may still be present. During regular dental checkups, your dentist checks for signs of oral cancer and will refer you to a specialist if necessary. Be sure to attend regular dental appointments, because detecting and treating oral disease early will yield an optimal outcome.

We also recommend performing self-examinations every month. Stand in front of a mirror and look at the outside of your mouth. Open your mouth and examine around the tongue, inside the cheeks, around the gums, and the roof of your mouth. If you notice any changes or any of the above symptoms, contact OC Oral Surgery for an examination to rule out oral cancer.

Treatment for Oral Cancer or Oral Disease

To create your custom treatment plan, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and face to closely examine your facial structures. Before we perform any type of procedure, we will discuss your anesthesia options and help you select the right choice for your comfort.

If there is a lump, tumor, or cyst, we may take a biopsy of the area and send it to a lab for a diagnosis. A biopsy will determine if the pathological process is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The majority of cases are benign. The right type of treatment for you will depend on the biopsy results and the type or severity of the condition.

Oral surgery may be necessary to remove a benign tumor or lump. To treat oral infections, we may prescribe an antiviral or antifungal medication. Antibiotics or a prescription mouth rinse can treat persistent infections or soreness. If oral cancer is present, treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other therapies.

Oral Pathology in Aliso Viejo, CA

If you notice any changes in or around your mouth, seek a professional evaluation to rule out oral cancer and treat the pathological process as soon as possible. We proudly serve patients of all ages in Orange County and invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation for an oral health screening. Dr. Ahn is a board-certified oral surgeon and will closely evaluate your oral health and create a custom care plan for your needs.