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Dentistry and Oral Surgery

 Cancer and Transplant Dental Clearance

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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 (erythroplakia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia)
  • A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
  • A lump or thickening
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and 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.

The mouth is one of the body's most important warning systems, so a monthly oral self-examination is recommended. A canker sore that has not healed within two weeks may not be just a canker sore. Contact us if suspicious lumps or sores are found or with any questions and/or concerns. 

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