Oral Lesions: Pathology, Prevention and Early Detection

What Are Benign Oral Lesions?

Benign oral lesions are growths that do not become cancerous. Luckily, most of the “lumps and bumps” found in the mouth are benign. Examples are: Ulcers, white spots, fibromas (which can come from lip or cheek biting) cysts, warts and oral herpes. Benign lesions can also form as a result of dental abscesses or growths in the bone.


What Are Precancerous and Cancerous Oral Lesions?

Precancerous oral lesions are abnormal cell growths in or around the mouth that can become cancer. Cancerous oral lesions are cell changes in the mouth that are malignant. Early detection of these are crucial to give you the best chance for a cure. Dr. Greenberg treats all precancerous lesions by surgery or laser.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

  1. A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal within 3 weeks
  2. White or red lesions or ulcers on the gum, tongue or lining of the mouth
    that don’t go away
  3. A firm or hard mass that persists or increases in size
  4. Persistent pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth
  5. Difficulty swallowing
  6. Persistent swollen glands

What Should I Do if I Have Any of the Above?

See your dental professional if you have any pain or a sore that does not go away in 3 weeks. At that time, a complete medical and dental history will be taken along with a thorough examination of your mouth. If necessary, you will be referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon for a consultation and biopsy.

What Types of Tests Are Used to Evaluate the Lesion?

A biopsy is the best way to find out if a lesion is benign, precancerous or cancerous (malignant). During a biopsy, the area around the lesion is numbed and the entire lesion or part of it is removed and sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination (pathology).

What Types of Treatment Are Available?

Your treatment will depend upon the nature of the lesion and will be discussed with you in detail. If a malignancy is detected, you will be referred to a Head and Neck Surgeon. However, Dr. Greenberg often remains actively involved in oral care and reconstruction.

Is There Any Way to Prevent These Problems?

It is most important to catch lesions early by getting regular oral checkups at least twice a year – even if nothing hurts. In addition, the following tips will help reduce your risk for oral cancer:

  1. Use good oral hygiene
  2. Don’t use tobacco
  3. Limit alcohol intake
  4. Eat a healthy diet

Remember: Precancerous oral lesions and oral cancers detected early and treated have the best chance of being cured. For more information, contact The American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org