This shape of oral ulcer is actually cancer

Although most of the oral ulcers we encounter are recurrent oral ulcers, in a few cases, oral ulcers may also be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma, discoid lupus erythematosus, erythema multiforme, Behcet's disease, Crohn's disease, etc. Sometimes, it may also be a reflection of systemic disease, such as diabetes, stomach disease, blood disease, tuberculosis, etc. Therefore, it is very important to know how to identify oral ulcers.

1. Frequency and duration of attacks

Benign oral ulcers usually heal in 1-2 weeks. If the disease lasts for a long time, more than two months without recovery, or if the disease recurs frequently, more than twice a month, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible to find out the cause.

2. Form and quantity

The shape is relatively regular, round, oval or linear, with neat and clear edges, clear boundaries with surrounding tissues, a smooth concave base, soft to the touch, and obvious pain, and is mostly benign. The shape of malignant ulcers is often irregular, with unclear boundaries, raised and uneven edges, and an uneven and granular bottom. It feels a bit hard to the touch, unlike other parts, and the ulcers are not painful or not very painful.

3. General condition

Benign oral ulcers have fewer systemic symptoms, and the cervical lymph nodes are not enlarged, or are slightly swollen but not hard or adherent. Malignant oral ulcers, on the contrary, will show corresponding maxillofacial swelling and lymph node adhesion.

4. The sensitivity of oral ulcers to drugs

Correct use of medication can significantly accelerate the healing of benign oral ulcers, but the effect is not so obvious for malignant ones. In addition, some people take medicine without finding the exact cause of the disease, and as a result, the ulcer not only does not improve, but becomes worse. It should be noted that if the pain continues and the ulcer does not disappear after 8 doses of medication for benign oral ulcers, it means that the medicine is ineffective. You should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible and change the medication under the guidance of a doctor.