. Health Library - South Houston Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Center

Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

What Are Oral Lesions? (Precancerous and Cancerous)Lesiones orales precancerosas o cancerosas

What Are Oral Lesions? (Precancerous and Cancerous)

Precancerous oral lesions are abnormal cell growths in or around the mouth. They may become cancer. Cancerous oral lesions are life-threatening cell changes in the mouth. These lesions need to be detected early to give you a better chance for a cure.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of precancerous and cancerous oral lesions may include:

  • A sore in the mouth that doesn`t heal within 3 weeks

  • White or red lesions or ulcers on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth that don`t go away

  • Tenderness or pain in the mouth that persists

Your Evaluation

See your dental professional about any sore or pain in the mouth that doesn`t go away in 3 weeks. He or she will ask questions about your medical and dental history. Your entire mouth, including your lips and teeth, will be checked. A biopsy or other tests may also be done.

  • A biopsy is the best way to find out if a lesion is precancerous or cancerous. During a biopsy, the area around the lesion will be numbed. A part of the lesion will then be removed and sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope.

  • Other tests may be helpful in making the diagnosis. They include:

    • Staining. The area in your mouth around the lesion may be stained with a special dye. The dye binds to cancerous cells, staining only these cells. After a few hours, the color from the dye will disappear.

    • Cytology. Your dental professional may scrape the surface of the lesion to obtain cells. The cells are then sent to a lab, where they are examined for cancer.

Treatment

Your treatment will depend on the nature of the oral lesion. Your dental or medical professional can tell you about types of treatment, which may include:

  • Surgery

  • Radiation therapy

  • Combination therapy (Both surgery and radiation therapy may be used to treat advanced cases of oral cancer.)

  • Chemotherapy

Prevention

The best way to catch any problems early is to have regular oral checkups. To help reduce your risk for oral cancer, follow the tips below.

  • Get oral checkups. Visit your dentist at least 2 times a year.

  • Don`t use tobacco. Tobacco use increases the risk for oral cancer. It`s never too late to stop using tobacco.

  • Limit alcohol. If you drink a lot of alcohol, you may be at a higher risk for oral cancer.

  • Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower your risk for oral cancer.

  • Use good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth each day. If you wear dentures, keep them clean.

Date Last Reviewed: 2004-09-13T00:00:00-06:00

Date Last Modified: 2003-02-06T00:00:00-07:00

 

Discover the possibilities of noninvasive procedures from an oral surgeon. Call 281-412-0099 or use our convenient online Request an Appointment form.

What Our Clients Say About Us

My name Is Judith O. I had the pleasure to meet Dr. Luis Craig when I was having problems with my vision, my skin wouldn’t allow me to open my eyes or see peripherally completely. My Optometrist suggested I should have “bleph". I was referred to Dr Craig, an excellent person and a great surgeon. He performed my surgery, with no complications, and in a week nobody could tell I had anything done. Not even my Optometrist. She was happy, like me, with the outcome. My vision improved 100%. Thank you Dr Craig. May God bless you and your hands.
Sincerely, Judith, O

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Two Locations to Serve You!

2537 Houston Ave.
Pearland, TX 77581
Phone: 281-412-0099 Get Directions

4010 Vista Rd., Ste. B
Pasadena, TX 77504
Phone: 713-947-8832 Get Directions

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Luis T. Craig, DMD, is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and owner of South Houston Oral, Facial & Implant Center located at 2537 Houston Avenue, Pearland, TX and 4010 Vista Road, Suite B, Pasadena, TX. His practice can be reached by calling 713-947-8832.