If It Looks Suspicious… Get It Checked!

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 signs could indicate the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplakia) 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 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. Oral cancer is also on the rise in people who do not smoke or drink due to human papilloma virus which is becoming more common in people of all ages.

Part of our extensive examination process may include a CT scan using our i-CAT scanner. Our CT scans are read by board certified oral and maxillofaclal radiologists as well as the surgeons, so you cna have peace of mind knowing you are in the best of care.

Lastly, we recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important early warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.