Our mouths are lined with a special type of skin called "mucosa". This skin is usually pink and smooth. Any condition that is a deviation from the normal appearance may be a warning sign for disease or pathological process. Oral cancer is usually the most serious of these oral diseases.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR AT THE BEGINNING OF A CANCEROUS GROWTH OR DISEASE:
- Chronic sore throat
- Changes in speech
- Chewing or swallowing difficulties
- Red or white areas on the mouth
- Slowly healing or non-healing mouth sores
- Area that bleed easily
- Lumps or thickening of the lining inside the mouth
The above changes can be seen anywhere in and about the mouth. Check the lips, cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue and under the tongue, tissue surrounding the teeth, face and neck. Pain does not necessarily always occur with pathology and is often not connected with oral cancer in its early stages.
Your mouth is one of the body's early warning systems for disease. Dr. Blazic recommends patients perform a self-examination regularly, perhaps monthly. Do not ignore lumps or sores.
If you have any questions or you are suspicious about any possible disease areas or symptoms in your mouth, please contact our office.
