Persistent Mouth Ulcer: Should I Worry About Oral Cancer?

Q: Persistent Mouth Ulcer: Should I Worry About Oral Cancer?

Hello： The red spots that are slightly raised on the inner sides of both cheeks may be the openings of the parotid glands. <br>Stimulation of these areas may lead to saliva secretion. <br>If you are concerned, you can visit an otolaryngology clinic or hospital for further confirm

A suspected ulcer in the mouth that has not healed for about ten days?

When I was a child, I would feel something strange in my cheeks while eating candy; they felt rough when I licked them.
I thought it was because I ate too much candy and was lazy about brushing my teeth or just brushed them carelessly.
My teeth grew in a disorderly manner, but I didn't pay much attention to it until recently.
In the past few years, I started addressing the issue by having two supernumerary teeth removed from the inner side of my lower jaw and two misaligned wisdom teeth extracted from the right side, both top and bottom.
Recently, while observing my oral cavity, I noticed red spots on both sides of my cheeks, with the one on the right being larger and slightly raised, feeling sour and rough to the touch.
I remembered that this sore has been present for about ten years, but it has never been painful.
Sometimes, when my toothbrush hits it, it can be painful.
Upon closer observation, it seems that my molars are slightly misaligned, causing them to continuously rub against the soft tissue of my cheek.
I visited an ENT specialist nearby, who advised me to try an oral ulcer ointment first.
The pharmacy recommended that I take vitamin B2.
Recently, I've been brushing my teeth more regularly, and it seems to have improved my bad breath.
Should I go to the hospital to check for oral cancer?

Mr. Lu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/09

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: The red spots that are slightly raised on the inner sides of both cheeks may be the openings of the parotid glands.
Stimulation of these areas may lead to saliva secretion.
If you are concerned, you can visit an otolaryngology clinic or hospital for further confirmation.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/02/09

More Info

When it comes to persistent mouth ulcers, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of oral cancer, especially if you have a history of long-term oral issues. However, it is essential to approach this situation with a clear understanding of the symptoms and potential causes.

Firstly, persistent mouth ulcers that last for more than two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. While many mouth ulcers are benign and can result from various factors such as trauma, irritation from dental appliances, or even stress, there are instances where they can indicate more serious conditions, including precancerous lesions or oral cancer.

In your case, you mentioned that you have had a red spot in your cheek for about ten years, which has recently become more noticeable. The fact that it has been present for such a long time without significant changes or pain is a positive sign, as most oral cancers tend to progress more rapidly. However, the presence of a persistent ulcer or lesion, especially one that is changing in appearance or causing discomfort, warrants further investigation.

Oral cancer often presents with symptoms such as non-healing sores, lumps, or thickened areas in the mouth, persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. The fact that you have a rough area that feels sore when brushed could be due to irritation from your teeth, especially if they are misaligned or if you have wisdom teeth that are causing trauma to the surrounding tissues. This could lead to a condition known as frictional keratosis, which is a benign response to chronic irritation.

Given your history of dental issues, including the extraction of teeth and the presence of misaligned teeth, it is plausible that the red spots and rough areas in your mouth are a result of mechanical irritation rather than cancer. However, it is crucial to rule out any serious conditions through proper examination.

You mentioned that you have already consulted an ENT specialist who recommended using an oral ulcer ointment and taking vitamin B2. This is a reasonable initial approach, as vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can help promote healing of oral tissues. However, if the lesions do not improve or if you notice any changes, it is advisable to seek further evaluation.

A thorough examination by a dentist or an oral surgeon, possibly including a biopsy of the affected area, may be necessary to determine the exact nature of the lesions. A biopsy can provide definitive information about whether the tissue is benign or malignant. Additionally, imaging studies such as X-rays or a CT scan may be useful in assessing any underlying issues related to your teeth or jaw.

In summary, while the presence of persistent mouth ulcers can be concerning, especially with a long history of oral issues, it is essential to consider the context of your symptoms. Regular dental check-ups, maintaining good oral hygiene, and addressing any dental misalignments can significantly reduce the risk of irritation and subsequent ulceration. If you continue to experience discomfort or if the lesions do not heal, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Early detection and intervention are key in managing any potential oral health issues effectively.

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