You are asked to see Dr. Levy by your family dentist or doctor or "PCP" because “there’s an abnormal color (or bump) in your mouth." This would scare anyone, since cancer is the first thing which pops into your mind. Dr. Levy trained extensively to evaluate unusual growths and to treat them if needed.
The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) which is normally smooth and coral pink in color. Any change could be a warning sign of pathology. The most serious of changes is oral cancer. Fortunately, most oral growths are not cancer.
Changes can sometimes be found on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. The growth or lesion may not cause discomfort. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.
Dr. Levy would recommend that you perform periodic home self-examinations of your mouth, ESPECIALLY IF YOU SMOKE. Remember that your mouth is one of your body's most sensitive early-warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact your dentist or us so that we may help you.
If Dr. Levy needs to remove or biopsy a growth, it is sent to a very well-qualified pathologist or oral pathologist for microscopic diagnosis.
If you feel that you, or someone you know, have any of the symptoms that have been discussed, please do not hesitate to contact our office so we may be of assistance to you.