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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 of 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.
- Swelling or any change in normal sensation or function of the oral structures.
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not initially associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
We 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. If you feel that you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, or if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office so we may be of assistance to you.
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