How to resolve the patches on the inner side of the cheek?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 30-year-old male, and I have had a patch on the inner side of my cheek for the past two weeks. It might be caused by to cheek bite, as I tend to bite my cheek while eating. I have no pain or bleeding. I consulted a local dentist, and he said it did not look abnormal and prescribed medicines. I have had a history of smoking for eight years, and I gave it up two years back, I need your valuable advice on how can this patch be healed. I will attach the screenshot of the patch inside my mouth. Is it oral cancer?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the snapshot of the patch you sent me (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I have a few questions before I diagnose the same. Do you have any burning sensation in that region of the cheek while having food or just like that? Do you have limited mouth opening? How much can you open your mouth? You should at least be able to put three fingers vertically in your mouth to be normal. I suggest you stop the above medication as the lesion is lichen planus, and it is autoimmune, until you have a burning sensation, you need not worry.

You should stop getting stressed. Stop tobacco in any form. I suggest applying Triamcinolone acetonide, which is an oral cream, thrice daily on the lesion for one month. Do not eat or drink for half an hour after application of this paste. I suggest a multivitamin tablet for two months. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and start taking the medicines after their consent. However, the condition may become dull, and it may not heal completely. It is harmless, and it can recur if your stress level becomes high.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

That is great news for now. Hence, this is an oral lichen planus and nothing to worry about. Just continue with my medications, after consulting your doctor. It is an autoimmune-related lesion. It is usually seen when stress is high. Do, de-stress yourself, and this lesion is usually harmless. However, it may not heal completely and may recur when stress levels go high. Just be careful if you are experiencing a burning sensation or any other changes, then immediately contact your doctor. But it is very unlikely.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.