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 of 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, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck.
Pain is not always necessary to define a 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. If you feel that you or
someone you know have any of the symptoms that have been discussed
or if you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact our office so we may be of some assistance
to you. |
