The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. These are your gums and soft tissues of the mouth. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. So routinely checking the coloration of these soft tissues through oral pathology exams is important to identify potential concerns early. The most serious of these is oral cancer which affects around 53,000 Americans. Identifying oral cancer early gives you the best chance of successful treatment.
When we examine your mouth for areas of concern, we look at both the inside and outside. Imbalances or lumps around the neck or lymph nodes are noted and any discoloration of your soft tissues will be addressed. If we find something concerning, many times we will take a biopsy of the tissue and perform tests on it to discover if it is something potentially harmful. If you do not receive treatment for these concerns or never receive an oral pathology exam, oral cancers can develop, which can be deadly.
Signs of Cancerous Growth
Reddish or whitish patches 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 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. Dr. William Lane recommends receiving a professional evaluation as soon as possible.
At Home Self-Examinations
While at home, we recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. This includes examining the symmetry of your face to look for irregularities or imbalances. Additionally, checking the soft tissues to look for any unusual colors and textures is very important. 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 can assist you with any questions or concerns.
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