Pathology
Occasionally, lumps or sores can form inside the oral cavity and could be a sign of a pathologic process, or cancerous growth. The most serious of these is oral cancer.
The following are signs of the beginning of a pathologic process:
- A lump or thickening on the gum lining
- Red or white patches in the oral cavity
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Sores that bleed easily or heals slowly
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Do not ignore any suspicious lumps or sores. 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.
“Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores.
Self Examination
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.
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 be of assistance to you and provide an oral cancer examination, if necessary.
