Oral cancer can start out as an abnormal patch of skin or mouth ulcer

Oral cancer is the growth of abnormal cells on the lips, tongue, gums, mouth floor, cheek lining or back of the throat.  A delay in diagnosing the cancer can cause it to spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body. An early sign of oral cancer may be the development of a white or red patch of tissue in the mouth or a small ulcer. If a dentist or family doctor notices any of these changes in the mouth, they need to be carefully watched. Other symptoms may include a lump inside the mouth, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or prolonged hoarseness.
Any suspicious areas in the mouth should be biopsied to promptly diagnose cancer of the mouth.  If there is a delay in diagnosing the cancer, it can spread to the jawbone, neck, muscle or other areas of the body.
If you or someone close to you feels that there was a delay in diagnosing and treating oral cancer you may want to speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney or law firm that has successfully won delay in diagnosing cancer cases.