Oral Pathology

When you think of cancer, your mouth is generally not the first place you would look. But oral cancers are common and require immediate treatment. We encourage patients to perform oral cancer self-examination with the same regularity as breast or testicular self-exams.

When performing oral cancer self-examination, look for the following:

• White patches of the oral tissues
• Red patches - erythroplakia
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily within 2 months
• An abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
• A mass or lump in the neck

Remember - your mouth is one of your body's most important early warning systems and should not be ignored. If you discover something, make an appointment for a prompt examination. Early treatment is often the key to recovery.