The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink. Any change in this appearance can be a warning sign of a pathological process, the most serious of which is oral cancer.
The following may be early signs of a pathologic or cancerous process:
- Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- A lump or thickening in the lining of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness, or difficulty chewing or swallowing
These changes can appear on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue, tongue, face, or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and is not often associated with oral cancer, though any unexplained facial or oral pain may also indicate risk.
We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems, so do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we can help.