Oral cancer warning signs: when mouth changes need medical evaluation, Digi Mart USA News: A quick look in the mirror can be worthwhile. If the tongue has suddenly changed color or a spot feels unusually hard, the cause is often harmless.
Sometimes, however, such changes can point to oral cancer.
“A healthy tongue is usually pink and moist, but white or red patches, small nodules or persistent sores can indicate a disease,” explains Prof. Dr.
med. Thomas Wilhelm.
His advice: if the change persists for longer than two weeks, you should see a dentist or ENT doctor. The earlier a possible oral cancer is detected, the better the treatment prospects often are.
Prof. Dr.
Thomas Wilhelm is chief physician of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head, Neck and Plastic Facial Surgery at the Sana Klinikum Leipziger Land. The ENT specialist is also specialized in special ENT surgery and plastic operations.
An irritated tongue, small ulcers or coatings can also result from infections, inflammation, injuries or nutrient deficiencies. Appearance alone does not reliably show whether a change is benign or malignant.
If there is suspicion, the doctor examines the area and, if necessary, takes a tissue sample.
Oral cancer is a collective term for malignant tumors that can develop at various sites in the mouth, such as the gums, palate, floor of the mouth or tongue. “Tongue cancer is therefore a special form of oral cancer, in which the tumor grows directly in the tongue tissue,” Wilhelm explains.
The front, mobile part of the tongue is particularly often affected. According to Wilhelm, tumors at the back of the tongue usually belong to the oropharynx.
The exact location of the tumor therefore determines how the doctor examines and treats it.
Tobacco and alcohol consumption are among the most important risk factors for oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups can help detect abnormalities early.
