“Inflammation in the mouth again”… If it continues for more than 2 weeks, could it be cancer?

Today there will be a lot of clouds across the country, and the temperature difference between day and night will be very large, at 10 to 15 degrees. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the lowest temperature this morning was forecast to be 4 to 14 degrees, and the highest temperature during the day was forecast to be 16 to 21 degrees. Fine dust concentration is expected to be ‘bad’ in Chungcheongnam-do and Jeonbuk, and ‘good’ to ‘normal’ in other regions.

Today’s health = In these days where the temperature difference between day and night is large, we need to pay more attention to managing our immunity. It is a time when the body becomes more easily tired due to the cold and dry weather. If you do not get enough rest and overexert yourself when you are tired, health red flags such as stomatitis may appear in your mouth.

Stomatitis is a white inflammation inside the mouth. It is a common symptom that anyone can experience at least once. There are various causes, including viruses, bacteria, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Stomatitis also occurs when you are tired due to overwork or stress.

Aphthous stomatitis, the most common type of stomatitis, is characterized by recurrence 2-3 times a year and causes 2-4 small round ulcers less than 1 cm in size. This type of stomatitis usually heals on its own within two weeks. Occasionally, deep ulcers larger than 1 cm may persist for several weeks.

People who frequently suffer from stomatitis usually experience it about 2 to 3 times a year. As the experience of recurrence increases, it is easy to ignore it, but if it does not disappear for more than two weeks, it is a good idea to suspect cancer. It could be oral cancer, a malignant tumor that forms in the mouth, including on the lips, tongue, gums, and inner surfaces of the cheeks.

Oral cancer commonly occurs in middle-aged men in their 40s or older, but the incidence rate has recently been increasing among younger people. It is so dangerous that the mortality rate within 5 years is about 44%. However, early detection is difficult and treatment is often delayed.

Oral cancer causes red or white ulcers to form in the mouth and pain that lasts for more than two weeks. Symptoms such as swelling inside the mouth or discoloration of part of the mouth may also appear. Loose teeth, difficulty chewing or swallowing food, and discomfort in tongue or jaw movement are also symptoms of oral cancer.

To prevent stomatitis and oral cancer, which reduce the quality of life, you need to get enough sleep and supplement various nutrients such as protein, vitamin B, and zinc. At the same time, you should pay attention to oral hygiene. It is necessary to remove tartar by thoroughly brushing your teeth, including the gaps between your teeth, and scaling them at least once a year. Excessively hot drinks or food can irritate the mucous membrane of the mouth and cause inflammation. It is also best to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and spicy and salty foods as much as possible.