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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.<br>
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The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:<br>
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* Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth <br>
* A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily <br>
* A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth <br>
* Chronic sore throat or hoarseness <br>
* Difficulty in chewing or swallowing <br>
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