Understanding Throat Pain and Enlarged Tonsils: Key Insights for Relief
Throat and tonsils [Currently having a cold] This morning, I visited a general clinic for symptoms: sore throat, itchy throat, post-nasal drip, cough, and phlegm. The diagnosis was bacterial infection with a red and swollen throat. In the evening: Q1: When I push on my tongue, it...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: A1: Based on the article, it appears to be tonsillitis. A2: It is not a throat ulcer; it is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the pharynx. Please visit the otolaryngology outpatient department for further diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Shih Shui-Mu, Attending Physi...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Enlarged Tonsils: Key Insights for Relief
Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Small red spots in the oral cavity? Today, I noticed a small red spot on the mucosa near the inner side of my lower second molar (also quite close to my tongue), and it's located deep inside, requiring me to stick my tongue out completely to see it. I accidentally ruptured i...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, I recommend that you use the oral ointment properly. The method of application should be as follows: before going to bed, after brushing your teeth, apply the ointment to the affected area, and then go to sleep. Keep the ointment in your mouth until morning. This ...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Small red spots in the oral cavity? Today, I noticed a small red spot on the mucosa near the inner side of my lower second molar (also quite close to the tongue), and it's located deep inside, requiring me to pull my tongue out completely to see it. I accidentally ruptured i...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your description, it may be localized mucosal inflammation causing small red spots. Since you have accidentally broken the area, if the wound heals without any trace after one day, there is no need to worry too much. Sincerely, Chen Jian-Zhi, Lectur...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor
Are there small bumps on the back of your tongue? Today I noticed some lumps at the back of my tongue (the base of the tongue) that are similar in color to the tongue itself, varying in size. I think I remember seeing them before, but they seemed to be covered by the tongue coati...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, it is common to find inflammation of the taste buds and the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There is no need for you to worry too much. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Ch...[Read More] Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Geographic Tongue: Can It Cause Sores Under the Tongue?
Can the underside of the tongue get sores? I previously visited an oral surgeon and a dentist for orthodontic treatment and a general check-up. The dentist mentioned that my oral health was generally fine, but I have geographic tongue and advised me to supplement with certain vit...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, the tongue can reflect a person's physiological state. It is advisable to follow your physician's instructions and drink plenty of water to get through this difficult time. Once you recover, you can check if geograph...[Read More] Understanding Geographic Tongue: Can It Cause Sores Under the Tongue?
Understanding Tongue Pain: What to Do After Biting Your Tongue
Taste buds on the tongue have fallen off (suspected to be caused by biting the tongue)? Hello doctor, a few days ago I bit my tongue while eating. It hurt for a moment, but it didn't significantly affect my eating. Later, I noticed that my tongue was painful, and when I look...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, it doesn't sound like a tumor lesion; it seems more like localized inflammation leading to the loss of taste buds in that area. If the wound has not healed after two weeks, you should consult an otolaryngologist for evalu...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: What to Do After Biting Your Tongue
Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
How long does it take for oral candidiasis to fully heal? Dear Inquirer, Hello, based on your literal questions, there are several points that need clarification in order to answer your inquiry: 1. What do the lesions in your mouth look like? Are they hard or soft? Are they wh...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, if the oral lesions have healed, there is less reason for concern. However, if they recur after stopping medication, I would recommend visiting a hospital's health check-up center or an infectious disease department for an exam...[Read More] Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
How Long Does Oral Candidiasis Take to Heal? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
How long does it take for oral candidiasis to fully heal? Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal description, it indeed sounds like an oral candidiasis infection, which typically occurs in patients with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy, c...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Regarding your inquiry, the cost of self-paid examinations will depend on the standards of the hospital and the specific examination package you choose. Hospitals at the regional or higher levels typically offer such examinations. It is advisable to inquire at a h...[Read More] How Long Does Oral Candidiasis Take to Heal? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Symptoms, Causes, and Healing Time
How long does it take for oral candidiasis to fully heal? Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, there are several points that need clarification in order to answer your inquiry: 1. What do the lesions in your mouth look like? Are they hard or soft? Are they wh...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your description, it does seem like an oral candidiasis infection, which typically occurs in patients with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy, cancer patients, or individuals with acquired immunodeficiency...[Read More] Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Symptoms, Causes, and Healing Time
Accuracy of MRI in Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis in Tongue Cancer
What is the accuracy of MRI for lymphatic metastasis in tongue cancer? Hello, doctor! My father is scheduled for surgery at the end of the month due to stage I tongue cancer. The doctor has performed ultrasound, bone scans, X-rays, and MRI, and they all indicate it is stage I. Ho...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Cancer staging can be categorized into several types: clinical staging, imaging staging, surgical pathological staging, and others. MRI and PET scans fall under imaging staging. However, surgical pathological staging is the most accurate. Therefore, if the clinica...[Read More] Accuracy of MRI in Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis in Tongue Cancer
Understanding Tongue Bumps: Benign vs. Malignant Growths Explained
There is a protrusion under the tongue? Today, I went to see an otolaryngologist and discovered a protrusion under the right side of my tongue, located on a muscle. Initially, it appeared red and swollen, but now it seems to be gradually returning to a normal flesh color. It is n...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Your attending physician is absolutely correct. The standard approach for unexplained oral masses is excision and biopsy. The determination of whether the mass is benign or malignant can only be made under a microscope. The oral mucosa has excellent healing capabi...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Bumps: Benign vs. Malignant Growths Explained
Understanding Growths on the Back of the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Granulomas on the dorsal surface of the tongue? Hello Doctor: On the back of my tongue (underneath), there are two thicker "fleshy" areas on each side. A few days ago, the right side of my tongue hurt when touched, and I discovered a small growth on the fleshy area near...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: 1. Most are benign hyperplasia. 2. Rare, but possible. 3. Please visit the otolaryngology outpatient clinic for examination. A biopsy may be necessary. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Growths on the Back of the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Tongue Irritation: Hot Pot and Dietary Tips
Tongue issues inquiry? Last night, I had hot pot that was too hot, and my tongue felt very uncomfortable at the time. After returning home, I noticed small bleeding on my tongue. Could this be caused by the hot pot irritating my tongue? Since I usually eat a vegetarian diet and o...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: 1. Yes. 2. Just drink more water. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Irritation: Hot Pot and Dietary Tips
Understanding Tongue Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice for Lymphoma Patients
Tongue Hello, Doctor. I am a lymphoma patient (I have completed treatment and currently have follow-up appointments every two months). Recently, I noticed a small, slightly harder area on the front side of my tongue (it's not very hard and not painful, and there are no visib...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, I suggest that if you have the time, you should consult an experienced otolaryngologist to determine whether further observation or an expedited biopsy is necessary to resolve your concerns. Alternatively, you can visit my clinic, which is open on Tuesday an...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice for Lymphoma Patients
Is a Red Spot on the Tongue a Sign of Cancer? Expert Insights
Red spots on the tongue? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if having red spots on the tongue is a precursor to cancer? The red spot is located approximately in the middle of the tongue, slightly to the left, about one centimeter long, and it has been present for almost a week. M...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, while red spots on the tongue are not necessarily cancerous, pathologically, "erythema" is indeed considered a precancerous condition. It is still advisable to have a thorough examination by a physician.[Read More] Is a Red Spot on the Tongue a Sign of Cancer? Expert Insights
Understanding Taste Disorders: When to See an ENT Specialist
Oral taste abnormalities? You have been experiencing a salty taste in the middle and back of your tongue for about a month, without fever, but with a thick coating on your tongue. There are often stones near the sides of your throat, and the taste is unpleasant. You do not feel t...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: For blood pressure issues, please consult the internal medicine department. For stones on both sides of the throat, please see the otolaryngology department. A general outpatient examination will suffice. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the Otolaryngology Department, Hsin...[Read More] Understanding Taste Disorders: When to See an ENT Specialist
Understanding Oral Mucosa and Tonsil Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Oral mucosa and tonsil issues? Dear Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. Last July and August, I noticed many small white spots (approximately 0.1-0.2 cm in diameter) on the mucous membrane of the right side of my mouth. The areas with white spots feel slight...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: Q: Are the small white spots on the oral mucosa truly salivary glands? They appear normal now, but is there a possibility they could worsen into another serious condition in the future? Could it be oral cancer? A: Currently, it does not seem to be. Q: I do not...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa and Tonsil Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Red Bumps on Your Tongue: Causes and Treatments
Tongue I apologize for the inconvenience, but I just noticed that I have developed small red bumps on my tongue, resembling a rash. They are mostly scattered on the tip and the sides of my tongue. Could you please tell me what this might be?
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the bumps on your tongue that resemble a rash could be due to mild inflammation or other lesions. It is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination to establish a diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Red Bumps on Your Tongue: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Tongue Cracks and Red Spots: ENT Insights
Tongue issues? I would like to ask the doctor why I have many cracks on my tongue lately (but they don't hurt and don't affect eating; I'm not sure if I've had this issue before). There are also many small red spots on the tip of my tongue (sometimes they are ...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: If there is no bleeding and no masses, there is no major concern. Please visit the otolaryngology outpatient clinic for an examination. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Cracks and Red Spots: ENT Insights
Post-Salivary Gland Surgery: Common Concerns and Recovery Insights
Some issues after salivary gland cyst removal? Dear Doctor, a few weeks ago I underwent a minor surgery for salivary gland removal. It has been about 3 to 4 weeks since the surgery, and the wound has mostly healed (though it may not be completely healed yet). However, when I gent...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, According to your literal question, after surgery, there is typically a healing period for the wound under normal circumstances, which includes the recovery of sensation and the formation of scars. The tingling sensation (sensation recovery) and the feeling of a l...[Read More] Post-Salivary Gland Surgery: Common Concerns and Recovery Insights