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 be signs at the
beginning of a pathologic 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
- 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 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. Please contact us so we may help.
