Oral Pathology - Connecticut Valley Oral Surgery Associates

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 growth:

	Reddish patches (erythroplakia) 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 an oral self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. If you discover anything unusual please call us for a consultation. If indicated we will schedule a biopsy. This painless procedure is done in office where a sample of tissue is removed and sent to a pathologist. He/She will examine it under a microscope and obtain a diagnosis. This diagnosis will lead to a treatment plan that may range from simple observation to further treatment.

Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores, please contact us so that we may help.