Oral lesions are open sores or ulcers in the mouth, which can be caused by inflammation, infection, or oral cancer. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and a bitter taste in the mouth. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics, antifungal drugs, or surgery for oral cancer.
Also known as tongue lesions and mouth lesions, oral lesions are open sores or ulcers found in the oral cavity. The lesions may also include lumps or bumps along the edges. Mouth lesions can be due to several factors, including inflammation, some type of infection, or even the development of oral cancer.
There are several common symptoms associated with most types of oral lesions. Usually, the individual will experience tenderness somewhere in the mouth, such as along the gums or the roof of the mouth. There’s also a good chance your tongue will feel a little sore or tender as well. As the condition starts to worsen, swelling of the tongue or along the gums may also occur. Both of these signs are usually precursors to the actual appearance of the lesions themselves.
Other symptoms that indicate the imminent development of oral lesions include a lining that develops and appears to adhere to the inner area of the oral cavity. Typically, the coating has a somewhat bitter taste that tends to inhibit the ability to enjoy food or drink. When oral lesions are due to some type of infection, whether viral or fungal, the lining is likely to have a slightly milky appearance.
As the condition continues to progress, the lymph glands will begin to swell. At first, the swelling is barely noticeable. However, if left untreated, the swelling will become quite pronounced, leading to pain in the throat much like that of a sore throat.
Effective treatment of oral lesions requires determining the root cause of the problem. When a certain type of infection is the cause of the lesions, a doctor is likely to give antibiotics or antifungal drugs which will help minimize pain as well as reduce inflammation and allow the lesions to begin to heal. In relatively minor situations, your doctor may recommend using an antiseptic mouthwash several times a day, or even an old-fashioned wash with warm water and salt. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may also be recommended to help with pain and other aches and pains during the healing process.
Home remedies or even antibiotics may not be employed when the lesions are determined to be associated with some type of oral cancer. When this is the case, surgery is often the best option. This allows any oral tumors that appear cancerous to be removed and treatments aimed at killing any residual cancer cells that may be present to be facilitated.
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