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Are White Painless Lesions On Tongue And Earache Signs Of Oral Cancer?

Posted on Thu, 10 Mar 2016

Question: Dear Dr. I have asked this question before but want to repeat with more pics. I got this whiteness on my tongue, throat and the upper of the mouth with wear and tear on the sides of tongue (painless) which you may check in the pics six weeks before. It appeared after a very stressful night when I was taking PEP (Truvada+Isentress) which all ended safely. On the second day I had sinus resembling headache (forehead) and some earache which went away after i took enough fluid. On the morning of next day, I noticed some stifness and hardening of the muscle under my ear connecting the back of jaw with neck. I went to GP immediately. She said it may be dehydration or stress related and is not serious. Last week, I went to another GP who could not come up with a definite opinion and said it may be due to stress and prescribed Prednisone for five days( today is the second day). She suggested that I see a dentist. I went to the dentist yesterday. He said he does not see anything worth concern. But, I am concenerned that lest it be something serious ( like cancerous or HPV). The dentist told HPV oral cancer is rare in under 40. I still sometimes have the earache and also some of a times a feeling like nasal congestion. Do you suggest this should worry me enough to go again to a doctor or do biopsy (for ruling out anything cancerous). I have no difficulty swallowing. What concerns me is the length it took (Six weeks). I do feel some mild pain on my cheek on the upper right jaw today but m convinced it will go away. Thanks alot for the advise.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be cancer; you need to relax

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank You for contacting HCM. My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. I have gone through the images you have shared.I can understand that you are going through stress and you main concern is cancer & HPV infection. The images shared are not suspecting any such infection. There is no particular need of biopsy at present. In my opinion main factor that is causing your symptoms is stress/anxiety. Stress almost always aggravates a simple problem. Oral ulcers are very very common in stressful conditions AND it remains till the element of stress remains. So to treat mouth sores you first need to relax. Following measures will hopefully help you and will resolve your complaint:

- Apply somogel (combination of Lignocaine (Base), Menthol, Eucalyptol, Cetylpyridinium chloride, Ethanol) on small amount over thr sore. leave for 2-3 mins and then wash your mouth will plain water. Repeat this 3-4 times a day.
- Use any antiseptic mouth wash for your local store and use it twice a day.
- take acetaminophen for pain (if occurs).
- Food that will help:
soft, non-acidic foods, such as my omelette, mashed potatoes or mild, sauce-based foods like spaghetti. Try to take yogurt on daily basis.

- AVOID:
Acidic foods as citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegars, pickles and ketchup while you're waiting for the ulcer to clear up.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Thank you very much doctor for such a good explanation. I have only one more question. I have some earache which comes for a while something like once a day and then goes back. It is only my left ear and the pain is very mild. Do you thank that is related to my mouth ulcers too. Thanks alot

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes quite possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You are most welcome. I'll be available 24/7 for your assistance. Feel free to contact anytime.

Yes there is quite possibility that your earache is due to mouth problem because there is a communication between mouth and ear via Eustachian Tube. If there is an infection of mouth then it can spread to ear as well. I would suggest you to follow the above mentioned steps and if still you feel pain then do visit hospital once and get an appointment for an ENT Specialist. He will examine your ear for any ear pathology.

Thank You

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar