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 of 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 recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Your general dentist will also perform routine cancer screenings during your regular dental visits.  Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.

2249 N. Loop 336 West, Suite A
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: 936-756-8188
Fax: 936-441-1905
Hours: * Monday-Thursday 8-5
Friday 8-2
4185 Technology Forest Blvd, Suite 100
The Woodlands, TX 77381
Phone: 281-367-2001
Fax: 281-296-9539
Hours: * Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8-5
Wednesday 8-12
Friday 8-2
10333 Kuykendahl, Suite A
The Woodlands, TX 77382
Phone: 281-364-9933
Fax: 281-364-9917
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8-5
Wednesday 8-12
Friday 8-2
8687 Louetta Road, Suite 100,
Spring, TX 77379
Phone: 281-370-4034
Fax: 281-374-8251
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8-5
Wednesday 8-12
Friday 8-2
3200 Robinson Creek Pkwy. Suite A
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: 936-439-9572
Fax: 936-439-9729
Hours:* Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8-5
Thursday 8-12
Friday 7-2
760 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Suite 3
Montgomery, Texas 77316
Phone: 281-296-7476
Fax: 281-374-8251
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8-5
Wednesday 8-12
Friday 8-2
*Office closes at noon on the second Wednesday of each month for monthly staff meeting.
Stay updated by signing up for our newsletter Sign Up Now