It is important to see your dental professional about any sore or pain in the mouth that doesn't go away in 3 weeks. They will ask questions about your medical and dental history. Your entire mouth, including your lips and teeth, will be checked. A biopsy or other tests may also be done.

What are precancerous and cancerous oral lesions?
Pre-cancerous oral lesions are abnormal cell growths in or around the mouth. They may become cancer. Cancerous oral lesions are life-threatening cell changes in the mouth. These lesions need to be detected early to give you a better chance for a cure.

Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of precancerous and cancerous oral lesions may include:

• A sore in the mouth that doesn't heal within 3 weeks
• White or red lesions or ulcers on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth that don't go away
• Tenderness or pain in the mouth that persists

Biopsy
A biopsy is the best way to find out if a lesion is precancerous our cancerous. During a biopsy, the area around the lesion will be numbed. A part of the lesion will then be removed, and sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope.