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 disease or a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be early signs of pathology (abnormality) in the mouth, including oral cancer:

• 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
• Swelling of the jaw
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
• Numbness of the tongue, lip, or chin

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 requires a detailed evaluation.

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. Most importantly, DO NOT SMOKE.