The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of tissue (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 (erythroplakia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening on the mucosa lining the inside of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
• Lumps in the face or neck

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gingiva (gum tissue around the teeth), tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and surprisingly, most oral cancers are painless. 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.

As Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Drs. Spinazze, Zak, Spinazze, Spina, and Perkinson are experts in the management of all types of pathologic conditions of the oral cavity. Many of these conditions can be treated in the office with a simple biopsy. More extensive conditions such as oral cancer require a detailed treatment plan including surgical removal, reconstruction, radiation and chemotherapy.