Periodontists often help diagnose irregular changes in your oral soft tissues to rule out potential pathology. Whether it be a strange lump or bump, or a growth on the gum tissues that needs to be removed, Dr. Schaberg and Dr. Campbell can help. We conservatively and esthetically remove the concern and work with pathology services to determine the correct diagnosis and management for your particular problem. Potential reasons for a biopsy include:
- A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
- An irregular red or white patch on the gums, inner lip or cheek lining, palate, or tongue
- A lump, growth or thickening on the gum, lip, tongue, or cheek tissue
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain is not always necessary to define a 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 ESPECIALLY IF YOU SMOKE. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores and please contact us so we may help you.
If you feel that you or someone you know, have any of the symptoms that have been discussed or if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office so we may be of some assistance to you.
