Mouth ulcers and oral cancer are two conditions that can sometimes appear similar, especially when they present as sores or lesions in the mouth. However, it’s important to know the difference between them as oral cancer can be life-threatening if not detected early. On the other hand, mouth ulcers, also known as “chala in mouth” or “tongue ulcers,” are usually harmless and resolve independently. So in this guide, we will understand how to differentiate between the two and explain when to consult a doctor.
What is a Mouth Ulcer?
A mouth ulcer is a small, round, or oval-shaped sore appearing on the soft tissues inside the mouth. They can either come up on the cheeks, gums, tongue, or lips. The middle part of the ulcer is usually white, grey, or yellow with red, inflamed edges. Mouth ulcers are painful while eating, drinking, or even talking. The sores typically heal in 1-2 weeks.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
There are many causes to develop mouth ulcers:
- Trauma or Injury: The inward bite of a cheek or tongue, rough bristled toothbrushes, or eating harsh, sharp foods damages the tissues of the mouth, thereby developing an ulcer.
- Stress: For some people, emotional tension or anxiety results in the development of mouth ulcers.
- Diet: Citrus fruits or tomatoes are acidic foods, and irritation of the oral lining caused by them may lead to ulcers. Low-level nutrition, especially in cases of vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron, can also bring about ulcers.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes are the most common cause in females, during their menstrual cycle, some people may develop ulcers of the mouth due to hormonal changes.
- Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or low immunity cause ulcers of the mouth, often recurring.
Mouth ulcers, while unpleasant, are usually not cause for panic. You should consult a doctor if you have recurring or big ulcers.
What is Oral Cancer?
This type of cancer can spread throughout the mouth, beginning with the lips, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, gums, and even the neck. It is a fatal condition that can spread to other sections of the body if not treated promptly. Most oral cancers begin as sores or lesions in the oral cavity that do not heal. They are painless at first, but other symptoms appear over time.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Ulcers That Do Not Heal: This is the most common sign of oral cancer when it begins as a sore inside the mouth that will not heal within 2-3 weeks. These ulcers are white and red and sometimes coupled with lumps or thick patches in the mouth.
- Lumps or Tumors: Another symptom that could be evidence of oral cancer is lumps on the neck and mouth that often feel hard or persist over time.
- Difficulty in Swallowing: Patients suffering from oral cancer often experience difficulty in swallowing or have the feeling that something is hanging inside the throat.
- Loosened Teeth: Loosening of the teeth without any apparent reason due to oral cancer affects the bones or gums around the teeth.
- Ear Pain or Sore Throat: Chronic ear pain or sore throat is also a sign of oral cancer.
- Unprovoked Weight Loss: Tumours can cause weight loss, especially if they make eating painful or even uncomfortable.
Difference Between Mouth Ulcers and Oral Cancer
Sometimes it’s very difficult to know the difference. A new or persistent sore in your mouth might look like just another mouth ulcer, but you should know that often people with oral cancer report a sore in their mouth. Here are some key differences to know about a mouth ulcer and oral cancer:
- Time to recover: Mouth ulcers heal within 1-2 weeks, whereas cancer sores persist and worsen over time
- Pain: Mouth ulcers are usually painful from the beginning, particularly when consuming or drinking acidic or spicy foods. Cancerous sores in the mouth may be painless at the start and will only begin when the disease progresses.
- Appearance: The mouth ulcers are essentially round and have clean red borders, but oral cancer lesions generally are white and red patches irregularly shaped. They may also be firmer.
- Other Symptoms: Mouth ulcers rarely occur with other symptoms, but oral cancer often brings other symptoms such as lumps in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or loose teeth.
When to Consult a Doctor for a Mouth Ulcer?
The majority of oral ulcers are benign and heal without any specific therapy. However, if you have an ulcer that has lasted for more than three weeks, then it is recommended that you visit a doctor. Additionally, you should go and see a doctor if:
- The ulcer is quite large and recurrent.
- You also experience some other symptoms that cannot be explained, such as swollen neck lumps, loose teeth, and the inability to swallow.
- It does not heal with home remedies.
Which doctor to consult for Mouth Ulcer? Traditionally, you would visit your dentist or a general practitioner if you had a chronic mouth ulcer. When a physician suspects you have oral cancer, he may recommend you to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or an oncologist, for further testing. A biopsy may be done to determine whether it is cancerous.
Conclusion
Although they may seem almost indistinguishable at first glance, there are several key distinctions between mouth ulcers and cancerous ulcers of the oral cavity. Oral ulcers typically are painful and heal in less than two weeks, whereas cancerous sores persist for longer lengths of time and are typically without symptoms, although sometimes they can involve symptoms like difficulty swallowing or lumps in the neck. If you have a sore inside your mouth that won’t heal, or even if you notice other unusual symptoms, consult a doctor. You might be much better in terms of prognosis for recovery if it is something serious like oral cancer.
Knowing the difference between a benign mouth ulcer and a more serious condition, such as oral cancer, can make all the difference in protecting health and doing the right thing when they occur.
