[Kok! Health] "If oral pain persists for more than 2 weeks, suspect oral cancer"

If pain and inflammation in the mouth persist for more than two weeks, it is advised to suspect oral cancer.

Oral pain. [Photo by Korea University Anam Hospital]

According to Korea University Anam Hospital, oral cancer refers to cancer that occurs in the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, palate, jawbone, and other areas. It is often mistaken for common conditions like stomatitis or gum disease due to similar symptoms, so caution is necessary.

Oral cancer is a rare cancer accounting for 3-5% of all cancer cases, but the hospital explains that symptoms can sometimes be detected relatively late. As the stage progresses, the extent of surgical removal increases, causing not only functional damage but also external changes, making early detection crucial.

Among oral cancer patients, 3 out of 10 suffer from tongue cancer, a malignant tumor on the tongue. This is because the tongue is the area most exposed to external stimuli. In particular, cancer often occurs on both sides of the tongue, which are frequently bitten by teeth and irritated by dental prosthetics. Oral cancer can also develop on the gums or the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue.

The exact cause of oral cancer is unknown, but risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, HPV (human papillomavirus), and poor oral hygiene. To prevent oral cancer, it is necessary to pay attention to oral hygiene and to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. Especially, since oral cancer incidence is higher in men who smoke and drink, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive drinking are essential.

Additionally, wounds caused by continuous damage to the oral mucosa from ill-fitting dentures or dental prosthetics can transform into oral cancer, so regular check-ups are necessary.

Professor Hwang Bo-yeon of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital emphasized, "Surgery is generally the primary treatment for oral cancer, and surgery is combined with radiation therapy. The earlier it is detected, the less functional damage occurs, and it is a disease that can be completely cured, so early detection is most important."

Professor Hwang also advised, "If ulcers frequently occur in the mouth, regularly visiting a dentist for oral examinations can greatly help in the early detection of oral cancer."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.