The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and pink in color. Any alteration in appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. Usually, these are signs of various benign dermatologic conditions. They may also be signs of oral cancer.
The following can be signs of the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish patches or whitish patches in the mouth
- A sore that fails to heal or bleeds easily
- A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in swallowing
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissues around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain is not always present. If you have any of these symptoms, ESPECIALLY IF YOU SMOKE, please contact us so we may evaluate and diagnose any changes you have noticed.