Oral Cancer
Cancer screening and biopsy of questionable tissue is a routine part of an oral surgery practice and we strongly recommend that patients should not ignore any suspicious lumps, sores or discolorations.
If you have any of the following symptoms, your dentist will usually refer you to an oral surgeon, as these are often signs of pathology or cancerous growth:
- Reddish or white patches 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 chewing or swallowing
Fortunately, the bones and soft tissues damaged by oral cancer can usually be repaired or reconstructed surgically