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Lip & Mouth Cancer
The mouth is a region where changes can be easily seen and oral cancer can be detected  in the early stages. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon  recommends that everyone do an oral cancer self-exam monthly. If you are at a high risk for oral cancer, (a smoker, a drinker, or a user of smokeless tobacco), you should also see the oral surgeon for a yearly exam.

During your home exams, you should look for reddish patches, whitish patches, sores that fail to heal and bleed easily, a lump or thickening of the tissues, chronic sore throat or hoarseness, or difficulty in chewing or swallowing. If you see any of these signs, make it a priority to visit your oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment. A biopsy will probably be recommended to help diagnose the problem.

Keep in mind that your mouth is one of your body's most important early warning systems. Don't ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Early treatment may be the key to complete recovery.