Oral Pathology and Oral Cancer

The mouth is normally lined with a smooth and coral pink skin called mucosa. Any alteration in the appearance of the mucosa could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. We perform an oral cancer/oral pathology screening at every visit. We thoroughly check the muscles of your face and neck, and surfaces of the tongue, palate, gums, and tonsils.  As physicians of the mouth, we are trained to look for any abnormalities in these areas. Oral cancer is on the rise, especially in those who do not drink or smoke. If you are suspicious of an area in your mouth, please do not hesitate to call.  Any changes in texture, color, or size that do not resolve themselves within 2 weeks time should be examined by a professional. Pain does not always occur with pathology.

The following can be signs of developing trouble:

• Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
• A sore that bleeds easily and fails to heal
• 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

We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember, your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns. We’d be happy to have you in for a visit.