Periodontal Disease

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 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.

Our practice uses the newest technology in detecting oral cancer during your examinations.  The ViziLite Plus with TBlue630 (www.vizilite.com) is the only medical device that the FDA has cleared for the identification of oral abnormalities in patients at increased risk for oral cancer. The ViziLite Plus allows us to better visualize lesions that would normally not be visible to the naked eye.

• 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other risk factors.
• Increased risk:
  Patients age 19-39 without lifestyle risk factors
• High risk:
  Patients age 40 and older without lifestyle risk factors
  Tobacco users (any age, any type)
• Highest risk:
  Patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors (tobacco use/alcohol consumption)
  Patients with history of oral cancer