Around 58,500 cases of oral cancer arise in the USA every year. Oral cancer is something to take seriously, as it can lead to serious health complications. Precautions and awareness can help you detect it early and seek the proper treatment for better health.
When a person develops changes and sores in their mouth, it is expected to worry about oral cancer. The best thing to do is get the worry assessed straight away. The sit-and-wait approach is not good, as leaving the issue unattended can pose serious health issues shortly.
Some changes in the mouth could be due to canker sores. Canker sores are more common than oral cancer, but it is essential to get them checked to be sure. To understand the difference between a canker sore and cancer, keep reading.
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How To Detect A Canker Sore
A canker sore is often painful or sore. You might notice a painful lesion that won’t budge with standard oral care.
Signs to look out for that might mean the spot is a canker sore is:
- White or yellow coloring with a red border
- Small and shallow
- Round or slightly oval
While some canker sores can clear up in two weeks, some can last six weeks or more. It is hard to tell how long they will last. The best thing to do is seek medical advice and treatment.
How To Detect Oral Cancer
Cancerous spots in the mouth are usually painless. If you experience pain and the signs above, you might be dealing with a canker sore, but it is still good to check.
You can detect oral cancer by looking out for these signs:
Bleeding mouth sores
Persistent sores in the mouth that bleed easily and do not heal properly can indicate an underlying issue.
Mixed white and red patches
Unusual patches inside the mouth that appear white, red, or a mix of colors can cause concern.
Thickening oral tissue
Unusually thickened tissues or lumps within the mouth can indicate a potential health problem, and the lumps might be hard or soft.
Mouth numbness
Experiencing numbness in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks, can be alarming.
Jaw issues (swelling and pain)
Stiffness, pain, or noticeable swelling in the jaw can make it difficult to open and close the mouth. You might experience this discomfort constantly.
Canker Sore vs Cancer: The Key Differences
When you understand the signs of a canker sore vs cancer from the list above, it might be obvious to understand the key differences. It is essential to reassess them for peace of mind and education purposes.
- You might experience pain with a canker sore, not oral cancer
- You might experience jaw swelling and thickening oral tissue with oral cancer, not a canker sore
- You might experience bleeding sores with oral cancer, not a canker sore
Whatever symptoms you notice, seek medical assistance. If you catch oral cancer early enough, you can treat it and restore good health. The best thing to do is contact your health provider for an assessment. Their expertise will help you understand the issue and seek the proper treatment.
You can prevent such issues by looking after your teeth and gums. A healthy oral health routine and regular checkups are necessary for avoiding oral health issues. To maintain good oral hygiene, contact us at Kakar Dental Group.