Your mouth is a vital part of your overall health, serving as both a gateway to nutrition and an early warning system for various health issues. We specialize in oral pathology, a crucial field of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth, jaw, and related structures.

Our expert team, led by Dr. Butura, is dedicated to identifying and addressing a wide range of oral health issues, from common concerns to rare and complex conditions.

Understanding Oral Mucosa

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.

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic 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

Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

Areas to Monitor

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

Ask About Our Oral Pathology Services in Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Butura recommends 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 help.

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