Tongue injuries can cause lesions, which can be benign or malignant. Common injuries include burns, canker sores, infections, and tumors. Recurring or non-healing sores should be examined by a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Tongue lesions can form when a person sustains a tongue injury. The tongue can be injured in a variety of ways, from benign to malignant, and many people experience lesions on the tongue at some point in their lives. In cases where the injuries require treatment, the patient may need medication or surgery, depending on the nature of the injuries.
One of the most common injuries to the tongue is a burn from eating or drinking too much heat. The tongue heals very quickly, but may be tender, red, and swollen for several days as the burn heals. Canker sores are another common form of lesion in which a small ulceration develops. These sores can be associated with chronic diseases, but also appear independently. None of these require medical attention, with rest and minor dietary adjustments usually sufficient to manage them as they heal.
When patients develop oral infections, this can lead to injury to the tongue. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection and heal the lesions. Lesions can also develop due to chronic inflammation and irritation of the mouth, as might happen if a foreign body lodges in the tongue or cheek. Blood blisters are an example of a lesion that can form due to irritation, with the blister usually resolving on its own.
Tumors in the mouth lead to the development of lesions of the tongue as the cancer cells spread and multiply. Patients can also develop mouth lesions as a result of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, with the radiation damaging tongue tissue and causing painful sores. People can also develop lesions if they are exposed to allergens. Some people can develop lip and mouth lesions if they have allergies to foods such as fresh pineapple.
If someone experiences recurring tongue sores or sores that don’t seem to heal, it’s wise to visit a doctor. The doctor can examine the patient and perform some diagnostic tests to determine what is causing the tongue lesions. This information can be used to make treatment recommendations. Sometimes it is enough to adjust the patient’s diet and provide some medications to eliminate the lesions and allow the tongue to heal completely so that they do not recur. In other cases, more aggressive therapies may be needed.
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