The mouth (a.k.a. oral cavity) is subject to illnesses and disease (pathology) just like other parts of the body. The soft tissue or lining of the inside of the mouth is called the mucosa and is a common site of changes from oral pathology.
Signs of possible oral pathology or cancerous growth include:
- new or growing white or red patches
- easy bleeding in the back of the throat, tonsils or mucosa lining the cheeks
- lumps or thickening of the oral mucosa
- chronic sore throat
- chronic hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing or chewing
Changes from oral pathology may be seen on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, and even on the outer surfaces of the face, and/or neck. Pain is rare with pathology, almost never associated with oral cancer. Regardless, anyone with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause needs to be evaluated for oral cancer and other oral pathologies.
Self-examination for oral cancer or other changes in your oral cavity is strongly recommended monthly. Your dental team will also examine your mouth at your routine cleanings. Do not ignore questionable lumps or sores. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Longmont Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery and we will be more than happy to help you with any questions or concerns.
