The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathological 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 and/or 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 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 can assist you with any questions or concerns.
FAQ
What is oral pathology and what does a healthy mouth look like?
Oral pathology refers to any disease, abnormal growth, or alteration affecting the structures of the mouth, jaw, or the specialized skin lining the oral cavity. In a healthy state, the inside of the mouth is completely lined with a special type of skin known as the mucosa, which should always appear smooth and coral pink in color. Any deviation from this normal texture, color, or structural appearance can serve as an immediate warning sign that a pathological process or abnormal cellular change is occurring.
What are the early warning signs of oral cancer or a pathological growth?
The earliest warning signs of an oral pathological process or a cancerous growth include distinct mucosal color changes, non-healing sores, localized tissue changes, and functional throat difficulties. Your mouth functions as one of your body’s most important early warning systems, and you should immediately schedule an evaluation with a surgeon if you notice:
- Erythroplasia: Smooth or irregular reddish patches developing on the oral tissues.
- Leukoplakia: Distinct whitish patches or spots that form on the lining of the mouth.
- Non-Healing Lesions: Any oral sore that completely fails to heal within a normal timeframe and bleeds easily when touched.
- Structural Thickening: A distinct lump, bump, or thickening that develops on the skin lining the inside of your mouth.
- Functional and Throat Symptoms: A chronic sore throat, persistent hoarseness, or sudden difficulty when chewing or swallowing food.
Where inside the mouth and facial region can oral pathology develop?
Oral pathology and cancerous growths can develop across any of the soft tissues or bony regions spanning the mouth, face, and neck. Pathological changes are most frequently detected across these specific anatomical areas:
- The borders and skin of the lips
- The inner lining of the cheeks
- The palate (both the hard and soft roof of the mouth)
- The gum tissue directly surrounding the teeth
- The surface, sides, or underside of the tongue
- The broader tissues of the face and neck
Does oral cancer always cause pain in its early stages?
No, pain does not always occur with oral pathology, and curiously, pain is not often associated with the early or developing stages of oral cancer. Because dangerous pathological processes are frequently completely painless at their onset, you should never ignore a suspicious lump, spot, or sore simply because it does not hurt. However, the inverse is also true: any patient who experiences persistent facial and/or oral pain without an obvious, identifiable dental cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer and requires an expert clinical assessment.
How often should I perform an oral cancer self-examination?
Our board-certified oral surgeons recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination at least monthly. Routinely checking the color and texture of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and palate allows you to become familiar with your normal anatomy, making it much easier to spot early alterations. You should never ignore suspicious or persistent lumps or sores; if you identify any changes during your monthly check, contact River Ridge so our surgical team can assist you with a definitive clinical examination.