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Can Smoking Causes Hard Bump On The Tongue Or It Is Infection Or Cancer?
Hi,
Yesterday I noticed a bump in the middle (almost on the ridge in the center) roof of my mouth on the hard part, just where the soft part meets it. The bump feels like what a popcorn shuck would feel like with my tongue. When I looked with a flashlight, I see some red blood vessel irritation. It did not go away overnight. Tonight I checked it and noticed that it looks a bit brighter red/more blood vessel activity. I also noticed a red patch along the inside gum line on my left side, although I cannot see this very well in the mirror with a flashlight. My tongue is dry and tingly and the back of my throat is a bit dry & scratchy. I am a smoker. Are these signs of an infection or cancer?
Yesterday I noticed a bump in the middle (almost on the ridge in the center) roof of my mouth on the hard part, just where the soft part meets it. The bump feels like what a popcorn shuck would feel like with my tongue. When I looked with a flashlight, I see some red blood vessel irritation. It did not go away overnight. Tonight I checked it and noticed that it looks a bit brighter red/more blood vessel activity. I also noticed a red patch along the inside gum line on my left side, although I cannot see this very well in the mirror with a flashlight. My tongue is dry and tingly and the back of my throat is a bit dry & scratchy. I am a smoker. Are these signs of an infection or cancer?
Wed, 16 Apr 2014
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
What you describe is most probably a simple oral ulcer which are called as aphthous ulcers in medical jargon. They are often small, multiple in number & cause irritation. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, infection etc. are the usual causes of these ulcers.By your own admission, you are a smoker. Hence considering the risks like cancer of mouth, lung etc associated with smoking & your current problems; I would strongly advise to give up smoking. Also you can try multivitamin tablets, chlorhexidine gel for local application for quick pain relief. Brush at least twice a day, drink lots of water & do frequent mouth rinsing to prevent future recurrences of ulcers. Good Luck
Thanks for the query.
What you describe is most probably a simple oral ulcer which are called as aphthous ulcers in medical jargon. They are often small, multiple in number & cause irritation. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, infection etc. are the usual causes of these ulcers.By your own admission, you are a smoker. Hence considering the risks like cancer of mouth, lung etc associated with smoking & your current problems; I would strongly advise to give up smoking. Also you can try multivitamin tablets, chlorhexidine gel for local application for quick pain relief. Brush at least twice a day, drink lots of water & do frequent mouth rinsing to prevent future recurrences of ulcers. Good Luck
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