Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lines with a special type of tissue (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in colour. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign of an underlying concern. The most serious of these is oral cancer. Evidence of the following signs may indicate a problem:

• Red patches (erythroplakia) or white patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening of the tissue lining on the inside of the mouth, tongue or floor of mouth
• Chronic sore throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

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These changes may be detected on the lips, cheeks, roof of mouth, tongue, floor of mouth, face and the gum tissue around the teeth. Pain does not always occur and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain, without an obvious reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. The mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore lumps or sores. Please contact us at (204) 726-1211 if you notice any changes in your mouth so we can help.