Pathology

Diagnosis and management of oral lesions, cysts, tumors, and complex pathology requiring reconstructive care.

Diagnostic partnership

Partnering with OHSU pathology for expert diagnosis.

For oral lesions, cysts, tumors, and biopsy specimens, diagnosis matters. Our team works with the OHSU pathology lab so patients benefit from specialized review, timely reporting, and coordinated surgical follow-up when additional treatment is needed.

Pathology Services

Lesion evaluation

Oral lesions that persist, change, bleed, or cause discomfort should be evaluated. Examination, imaging, and biopsy can help determine whether a finding is inflammatory, benign, precancerous, or malignant.

Cyst removal

Jaw cysts can slowly expand and affect nearby teeth, nerves, or bone. Removal is planned around the size, location, diagnosis, and need for reconstruction or follow-up monitoring.

Tumor removal

Benign and malignant tumors of the jaws or oral tissues require precise diagnosis and careful surgical planning. Treatment focuses on complete management while preserving function whenever possible.

Cancer reconstruction

After cancer treatment, reconstruction may restore bone, soft tissue, facial contour, and dental function. Planning often considers speech, swallowing, chewing, appearance, and future implant rehabilitation.

Pathology overview

Early detection and treatment of oral pathology is critical to successful outcomes. Our team evaluates and treats the full spectrum of oral and maxillofacial pathology — from routine lesion biopsies to complex oncologic reconstruction following cancer surgery.

Why diagnosis matters

Oral and maxillofacial pathology includes abnormal growths, cysts, ulcers, bony changes, infections, and lesions that do not heal as expected. Evaluation may include clinical examination, imaging, biopsy, or removal depending on the finding. Many lesions are benign, but early diagnosis is important because some conditions can damage bone, affect nearby teeth, or represent precancerous or cancerous disease. Reconstruction may be needed when treatment leaves a defect in bone or soft tissue.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Thoughtful care at every step

Your visit is planned around clarity, comfort, and a recovery path that feels manageable before you ever sit in the chair.

Specialist-led planning

Treatment details are reviewed with the surgical team so timing, anesthesia, and next steps are clear.

Clear preparation

You’ll know what to bring, what to avoid, and how to plan your day around the procedure.

Guided recovery

Post-op instructions focus on comfort, swelling control, and knowing when to reach out.