Dysplasia and Pre-cancers

Based on current understanding of oral cancer we believe the cancer often has a precancerous stage. A precancer is a lesion with abnormal cells which is more likely to transform into cancer. In the oral cavity white lesions such as a leukoplakia and red lesions such as erythroplakia can be classified as precancer lesions. Not all precancer lesions transform into cancer. Dysplasia is a term we use to describe the findings a pathologist sees when they evaluate tissue under the microscope and abnormal cells are seen. The pathologist classifies the severity of the dysplasia along a spectrum from mild to severe. The greater the severity the higher the risk of developing cancer. It is important to have regular dental check-ups as your dentist is trained to see precancerous lesions. These lesions should be biopsied and if dysplasia is found, the lesion needs to be treated. Please make an appointment to see one of our providers at the Oral Cancer Institute if you have been found to have a precancerous lesion or diagnosed with dysplasia