Do you need to be concerned if a lesion appears in your mouth? On the one hand, it could be a relatively harmless canker sore that will go away within a few weeks; on the other hand, it could be a symptom of a much more frightening problem – namely, oral cancer. How can you tell the difference between canker sores and oral cancer so that you can react appropriately? Here’s what you need to know.
Signs of a Canker Sore
If the lesion in your mouth hurts, that’s actually a good sign. Canker sores are commonly somewhat painful; in contrast, a cancerous lesion often won’t cause any discomfort at first.
Furthermore, a canker sore often appears as a white or yellow spot with red edges. The red is due to the fact that the tissues around the lesion have become inflamed. Also, canker sores tend to be round or oval-shaped, and they’re typically small and shallow.
Finally, one of the key traits of a canker sore is that they heal on their own. In many cases, a canker sore will go away within two or three weeks, although some might take longer than that.
Signs of Oral Cancer
As noted above, a lesion caused by oral cancer may not initially hurt. That said, it may be accompanied by stiffness, pain, and swelling in the jaw, and it could potentially cause a sore throat. A cancerous lesion can also be associated with numbness anywhere in the mouth.
In terms of appearance, a cancerous lesion often takes the form of a white, red, or mottled patch. You may also notice unusual lumps or thickened tissues.
One of the surest signs that a lesion is cancerous is that it won’t heal on its own no matter how much time has passed. You should take action if a lesion has been present in your mouth for weeks and doesn’t seem to be getting better.
How Can You Know for Sure If You Have a Canker Sore or Oral Cancer?
You may not always be able to tell the difference between a canker sore and a cancerous lesion on your own. That’s why it’s important to have an oral cancer screening performed by a periodontist or a general dentist. This simple process involves closely examining the mouth and checking for potential warning signs of oral cancer. If any are found, you’ll be directed to an expert who can make a proper diagnosis.
An occasional canker sore is nothing to worry about, but ignoring oral cancer could ultimately put your life at risk. If you have any reason to think you might have a cancerous lesion, it’s best to seek help from a professional as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman went to the University of Tennessee, where he earned his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. In addition to a variety of surgical periodontal services, he offers thorough oral cancer screenings to protect the overall health of his patients. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman at Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
