The skin on the inside of your mouth is normally smooth and coral pink in color. This skin is called mucosa. If the appearance of the inside of your mouth changes at all, this could be a warning sign of a pathological process, the worst of which is oral cancer. The following are signs or a possible pathological process or cancerous growth:
- Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
- A persistent sore that 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
You may notice these changes on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around your teeth, tongue, face, or neck. Although pain does not always occur with pathology, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious reason may be at risk for oral cancer.
Dr. Michael Shnayder recommends that you perform self-examination for oral cancer monthly. Remember, your mouth is one of the body’s most important warning systems. If you notice any suspicious lumps or bumps, please contact Village Pointe Oral Surgery so that we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our oral surgeon and to learn more about oral pathology in Omaha, Nebraska.
