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 at the beginning of a pathological 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 and/or 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 would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. 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 can assist you with any questions or concerns.

Serving the following Seattle Washington area locations:
Bellevue WA • Renton WA • Seattle WA • Mercer Island WA • Issaquah WA
Redmond WA • Kirkland WA • Covington WA • Kent WA • Maple Valley WA
Tukwila WA • Auburn WA

1855 156th Avenue NE, Ste 101, Bellevue, WA 98007

707 S Grady Way, Ste 540, Renton, WA 98057
Triton Towers III