The mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is generally smooth and pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

 

The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth

• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily

• A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth

• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

 

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

 

We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us or your general dentist if you have any questions or concerns.