Suggest Treatment For Small White Sore On Side Of Tongue

Posted on Sat, 20 Dec 2014

Question: I have a small white sore on the side of my tongue. It has been there for over 2 weeks. It felt like a canker sore (which I occasionally get), but won't seem to go away. It seemed to maybe getting better (the "canker pain" has subsided somewhat and it is now just slightly sensitive to my teeth, but not food). At one point, I may have reinjured it at night (and I am sure prodding at it hasn't helped). It does not bleed and has not gotten any bigger really. Sometimes in the morning there seems to be a layer of white skin on it that can be scraped away (like a wet scab). I am 43, white male, and have been a moderate drinker and occasional toboacco user.

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed ent examination, stop smoking and alcohol.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

As per your clinical details and photo, it appears to be a ulcer due to canker sore or tongue bite due to sharp edged tooth (site is commonest).

I suggest you to consult ENT surgeon and get detailed ent examination (You get canker sores more than 2 or 3 times a year) to rule out nutritional deficiencies, food allergies (smoking or alcohol causing ulcers). Ulcers which are leaving white scab always needs evaluation. Treatment can be started as per the examination and investigations.

I also suggest to avoid spicy diet, stop smoking and alcohol (triggering factors) and continue salt water rinses.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (14 minutes later)

When you say " Ulcers which are leaving white scab always needs evaluation", what does a ulcer with a scab mean? Is it just a really bad, recurrent ulcer... or is it something more serious? Does this leision seem suspicious at all, or is 99% sure just a stubborn ulcer? Thx!

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Recurrent ulcer can predispose to cancer in long run.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

As such, any recurrent oral cavity ulcer can progress in to cancer with chronic exposure to smoking and alcoholism.

Most often, oral cavity ulcers leaves scabs in - candiadiasis, behest's syndrome, hairy tongue, lichen planus and leukoplakia.

Do not worry, I have recommended you to see an ENT surgeon, in view of risk factors- smoking, alcohol consumption and nutritional deficiencies.

Hope, I have answered your query. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (12 hours later)

Ok, final question. The sore seems to be healing. Looking smaller, looking less white and more "tongue" colored. I assume that if it is healing and going away, then, for now, it is nothing sinister (i.e. cancer doesn't heal itself)? Correct?

Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
recurrence-nutritional deficiencies

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Thanks for considering my answer and for your follow up.

Recurrent ulcers which are healing are due to nutritional deficiencies. Non healing ulcers, with irregular borders and everted margins, which bleeds on touch are pathognomonic of cancer. So I guess it doesn't seem like a sinister cancer.

Hope, I have answered your query. Take care.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad