Sudbrink Oral Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Ephrata, PA

(717) 733-8645

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Ephrata Office
800 Grandview Dr.
Ephrata, PA
Phone: (717) 733-8645
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Lititz Office
1575 Highlands Dr.
Suite 106
Lititz, PA
Phone: (717) 627-2299
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Elizabethtown Office
200 Continential Dr.
Elizabethtown, PA
Phone: (717) 367-3921
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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 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

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 may also be at risk for oral cancer.

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. Please contact us so we may help.