Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral 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 indicate the beginning of a pathologic process or a potentially cancerous lesion:

• Reddish patches (erythroplakia) or white patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth or lips.
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily.
• A lump or thickening of the tissues inside the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate (roof of the mouth), 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 would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.