Inflammation of the oral cavity causes swelling, pain, and the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, leading to difficulty with chewing and swallowing. The ulcers are limited to the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and certain other areas within the oral cavity.
DISTINGUISH AND EARLY RECOGNIZE TONGUE CANCER
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Author: BỆNH VIỆN ĐA KHOA QUỐC TẾ NAM SÀI GÒN
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28/12/2021
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2,402
Mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers) are a benign condition and usually heal on their own within about two weeks.
Mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers) are a benign condition and usually heal on their own within about two weeks. However, a dangerous disease with many symptoms that closely resemble mouth ulcers is tongue cancer, which many people tend to overlook. So how can we distinguish between these benign and malignant conditions?
According to Dr. NGUYEN TRUONG KHUONG, MMed, Specialist Level II, Chief Medical Officer at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, in reality, many patients with tongue cancer mistake their condition for simple mouth ulcers. As a result, they do not seek timely medical care and only come for examination at an advanced stage of the disease.
Tongue cancer and mouth ulcers:
Mouth ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers, are sores that occur on the oral mucosa or tongue. They typically have a white or yellow center with a red border and may appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or the inside of the lips. Mouth ulcers are very common and can affect people of all ages. Although they can be painful and uncomfortable, they are a benign condition and do not threaten life.
In contrast to mouth ulcers, tongue cancer is a malignant disease. Early lesions may present as a sore on the tongue that can easily be mistaken for a simple mouth ulcer. Over time, the cancer can spread locally and metastasize to other parts of the body. Tongue cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, partly because it is frequently misidentified as mouth ulcers.
By the time tongue cancer is detected, it may have already metastasized, leaving patients severely weakened and making treatment more difficult. However, if detected early, tongue cancer can be treated with surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Detecting the disease even one day earlier increases the patient’s chance of survival.
How to Recognize and Differentiate
Similarities between mouth ulcers and tongue cancer:
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Red or white patches may appear on the tongue; the ulcer may be swollen, warm, red, and painful.
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These lesions can enlarge and ulcerate, directly affecting eating and daily activities.
Differences between mouth ulcers and tongue cancer:
| Mouth ulcer | Tongue cancer |
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The lesion may present as an ulcer, an erosion, or sometimes a mass or growth on the tongue. In some cases, an ulcer may develop on top of the mass. |
| The ulcer has a milky white appearance, causing the surrounding area to become swollen and painful, and may even be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the jaw area and on both sides of the cheeks. | The lesion may appear red mixed with white or yellow, and in some cases may turn black due to tissue necrosis. If a mouth ulcer appears black, there is a high likelihood that it may be cancerous. The area surrounding the ulcer often becomes hard and indurated. Bleeding is common, and the lesion may produce a foul, unpleasant odor. |
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Typically, mouth ulcers heal on their own within 7–10 days from onset. As the condition improves, the swelling and pain gradually subside, and the affected mucosal area heals quickly afterward. |
Lesions caused by tongue cancer typically persist for more than two weeks. |
Other symptoms:
As tongue cancer progresses, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, physical weakness, prolonged fever, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the tongue. In contrast, mouth ulcers usually do not cause systemic symptoms. In some cases, severe or infected mouth ulcers may cause fever, but this resolves with appropriate treatment.
Ung thư lưỡi có chữa được không?
Dr. Khuong emphasizes that tongue pain is often an early sign of tongue cancer. Patients may feel as if a fish bone or foreign object is stuck in the tongue, causing persistent discomfort without an identifiable cause. Tongue cancer can be detected early if individuals pay close attention to subtle changes and warning signs in the tongue area.
Doctor’s advice:
The earlier the disease is detected and treated, the better the treatment outcome.
To reduce the risk of developing tongue cancer, lifestyle changes are essential, such as:
- Drink enough water daily.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and cleaning the mouth thoroughly after meals.
- Replace your toothbrush regularly.
- Avoid smoking tobacco or using traditional tobacco products, and limit alcohol consumption—these are healthy habits that help protect the body from tongue cancer and other types of cancer.
- Engage in regular physical exercise to control body weight and strengthen the immune system.
- Eat plenty of fruits and dark green vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, green tea, soybeans, and tomatoes, which help reduce the risk of cancer.
- Consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist immediately if a mouth ulcer persists for more than two weeks without healing.
Currently, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital offers comprehensive health check-up packages tailored to different individuals and needs, helping patients quickly detect health issues, receive timely treatment, and prevent potential complications.
Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital
No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.
Hotline: 18006767
info@nih.com.vn
Last updated: 16:06 15/01/2026
