Oral Pathology
The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of tissue (mucosa) that is smooth and pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign of a disease. The most serious of these is oral cancer.
The following can be signs at the beginning of a disease or cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches (erythroplakia) 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 often is not associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores in your mouth. Please contact us so we can assist you with any questions or concerns.