Oral cancer screening may be the most important part of your initial examination. Drs. Neary, Lanzetta, and Chondrogiannis are highly trained in the recognition of cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions of the head and neck. Fortunately, most patients have a negative cancer screening. Rest assured that if a suspicious lesion is detected, you will be treated in our office or directly referred for the appropriate consultation.
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.
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 would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body's most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.