Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, P.A.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

South Portland, ME

207-772-4063

PROCEDURES

Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (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 (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) 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 in 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.
 

We would recommend performing oral cancer self-examinations 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 help!

Links:

National Institute of Health
National Library of Medicine (free Medline searches)
Oncolink