| 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.

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.

Oral Cancer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early detection is key to increasing the survival rate for oral cancer and plays a significant role in patients' success in fighting the disease. However, only 15 percent of the population reports ever having an oral cancer examination and a mere seven percent reports receiving annual screenings.

Early detection plays an important role in the success of treating many cancers. Our goal is to increase awareness of oral cancer and encourage people not only to become more aware of the abnormal spots in their mouths, but also to discuss oral cancer with their dentists. Since testing is now painless, it is simpler than ever to know for sure.