Oral Surgery · Early Answers
Oral Pathology
A sore that will not heal, a lump, or a patch that looks different deserves a prompt, expert look. Dr. Francisco Suarez brings fellowship training in maxillofacial pathology, and our team will evaluate any suspicious change and explain exactly what comes next.
Know the Warning Signs
Oral Pathology
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 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.
- 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 and 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 may help.
Found something that worries you?
Call us at 530-223-1811 and tell us what you have noticed. An evaluation usually starts with an exam and imaging, and if anything needs a closer look, your surgeon will explain every step before it happens. Most spots turn out to be harmless, and finding out early is always the right move.
Do not ignore the warning signs
Most changes are harmless, but the right time to have a persistent sore, lump, or patch evaluated is now.