The lining of the mouth is smooth and coral pink in color when it’s healthy. If you notice any changes to the way your mouth normally looks or feels, please seek an evaluation from an oral surgeon. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, an estimated 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. Ignoring the warning signs or leaving oral disease untreated can result in serious health issues.

Signs and Symptoms

These symptoms can appear on the lips, inside the cheeks, on the gums or tongue, or anywhere around the face, mouth, or neck. Pain doesn’t always occur with an oral pathology, so be sure to not dismiss any problems just because you’re not in any pain. Signs of an oral pathology include:

• Red or white patches anywhere inside the mouth
• A sore that will not heal
• A painful sore that bleeds easily
• A lump or area of thick skin inside the mouth
• Chronic bad breath or sore throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Treatment for Oral Pathology

Contact our office to schedule an appointment with our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Foxson. If necessary, we will take 3D CBCT scans of your mouth and discuss your options for anesthesia or sedation if you are concerned about pain. Our office also utilizes advanced sterilization equipment for our surgical instruments, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination. We will evaluate your condition and identify any abnormalities in your mouth to determine the next course of action. We can also show you how to perform self-exams inside your mouth to help identify any sign of oral cancer that may present itself in the future.

The abnormal tissue may be biopsied to determine if there are any cancerous cells present. From there, it will be determined how to proceed with treatment. In some cases, a growth or tumor can simply be removed. Early detection is key for successful treatment, and it’s important to seek a professional evaluation if you are experiencing any changes to your mouth.