Oral Pathology

Dr. Clemens can examine, biopsy and diagnosis diseases of the oral cavity. If a referral is warranted, Dr. Clemens will refer you to the appropriate treatment center.

The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that close to 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. Your mouth is one of your body’s most important early warning systems. Don’t ignore any suspicious lumps or sores. Should you discover something, make an appointment for a prompt examination. Early treatment may well be the key to complete recovery.

Perform a Self-Exam Monthly

Everyone should perform an oral cancer self-exam each month. An oral examination is performed using a bright light and a mirror:

• Remove any dentures
• Look and feel inside the lips and the front of gums
• Tilt head back to inspect and feel the roof of your mouth
• Pull the cheek out to see its inside surface as well as the back of the gums
• Pull out your tongue and look at all of its surfaces
• Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes (glands) in both sides of the neck including under the lower jaw

When performing a self-examination, look for the following:

• White patches of the oral tissues — leukoplakia
• Red patches — erythroplakia
• Red and white patches — erythroleukoplakia
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• An abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
• A mass or lump in the neck

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