Oral cancer is a growing concern among oral health care providers. The following can be signaled at the beginning of a pathological process or cancerous growth;
- Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
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 is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or pain without obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
Oral biopsies are often recommended when there is a case of unexplained tissue abnormality, particularly when it continues growing despite treatment or removal. During an oral biopsy, your oral surgeon will carefully remove a sample of the suspected tissue lesion. There may be minor side effects of having tissues removed, especially when tissue is removed from your lip; however, it is unlikely that you will experience any major deformities or aesthetic changes. Regardless of where your lesion may be, your oral surgeons will proceed with care to ensure that you receive the necessary results to determine your oral health without compromising the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
