ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PROCEDURES:
HEAD AND NECK PATHOLOGY

Oral Pathology:

The inside of the mouth is normally smooth and coral pink in color. It is lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) and any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. Oral cancer is the most serious of these changes.

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

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores, your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. If you have any concerns, Please contact us so we may help.

Please call us if you have any questions at: 239-947-6637

FACIAL SKIN CANCER AND RECONSTRUCTION:

The skin cancer foundation (www.skincancer.org) has put out some important facts;

Skin Cancer Foundation’s 2007 Skin Cancer Facts:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths each year.
• One in 5 Americans and one in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
• A person’s risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns.

Dr.Casey reccommends regular visits to your dermatologist if you have a family history of skin cancer. Dr. Casey can evaluate facial skin cancer lesions and is well trained in Moh’s surgery and immediate reconstruction.

Please call us if you have any questions at: 239-947-6637