Early Detection and Treatment Provide a Better Chance for Cure

When performing oral cancer self-examination, look for the following:

White patches of the oral tissues — leukoplakia
Red patches — erythroplakia
Red and white patches — erythroleukoplakia
A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
An abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
A mass or lump in the neck  

See Dr. Adams here at Carolina Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Center if you have any of these signs. If he agrees that something looks suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy involves the removal of a piece of the suspicious tissue, which is then sent to a pathology laboratory for a microscopic examination that will accurately diagnose the problem. The biopsy report not only helps establish a diagnosis, but also enables the doctor to develop a specific plan of treatment.

Reprinted with permission from American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

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