Do mouth sores indicate a cancerous condition?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have got sores in my mouth and tongue. I do not know what they are and I am afraid if they could be cancerous. I have no pain at all except a little for the one that is under my tongue but not the two white ones on the sides. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I have seen the pictures that you have attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). I suggest that:

1. These are nothing but minor oral ulcers.

2. These ulcers occur due to various reasons such as stress, vitamin deficiencies, etc.

3. Do not panic thinking it to be oral cancer. These ulcers resolve automatically in a few days.

I suggest you take the following measures :

1. You should be concerned about taking nutritious food rich in vitamin B such as greens, whole fruits, and veggies.

2. Stay hydrated and please avoid junk foods as they have no healthy contents that can help you grow healthier.

3. I also notice a white layer on the roof of your mouth. I wonder if you smoke. If yes, then you should maintain very good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily, doing flossing, and tongue cleaning. Smoking is another factor that causes dehydration and thereby ulcers can pop out.

4. It is best to slowly quit smoking.

5. For pain relief, apply 0.2 % Lignocaine gel (15 mg) tube over the ulcers thrice daily with clean fingers and leave it for five to seven minutes. Wash it off with normal water. This ointment will give a bitter taste and produce numbness in the applied region, so please do not panic again.

I hope this helps you.

Do get back in case of any further queries.

Thank you.