According to Heathline, Canker sores and cancer are two entirely different conditions, but they share some similarities. Both can cause ulcers or sores in the mouth and can be painful. However, the causes, treatments, and outcomes of these two conditions are quite different.
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth or at the base of the gums. They are usually white or yellow in the center and surrounded by a red halo. They can be painful and uncomfortable, but they are not contagious and usually heal on their own within a week or two.
On the other hand, cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in the body. Cancer can occur in any part of the body, including the mouth, throat, and tongue. Oral cancer is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Unlike canker sores, oral cancer is a relatively rare condition, affecting around 50,000 people in the United States each year.
Causes Of Canker Sores
The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but several factors are thought to contribute to their development. These include:
Trauma: Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek, or a rough toothbrush, can cause canker sores.
Stress: Emotional stress and fatigue can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing canker sores.
Hormonal changes: Women are more likely to develop canker sores during their menstrual cycle.
Certain foods: Acidic and spicy foods, as well as chocolate, nuts, and coffee, can trigger canker sores in some people.
Underlying health conditions: Some health conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, are associated with an increased risk of developing canker sores.
Treatment For Canker Sores
In most cases, canker sores will heal on their own within a week or two. However, there are several things you can do to relieve the pain and promote healing:
Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter products, such as benzocaine, can provide temporary relief from the pain of canker sores.
Saltwater rinse: Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help soothe the pain and promote healing.
Avoiding certain foods: Avoiding spicy and acidic foods can help prevent canker sores from getting worse.
Brushing gently: Brushing your teeth gently with a soft-bristled brush can help prevent further irritation of the canker sore.
Ice therapy: Applying ice to the canker sore can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Causes Of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, throat, or tongue. There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing oral cancer:
Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in excess can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a s£xually transmitted virus that can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer.
Treatment For Oral Cancer
The treatment for oral cancer depends on several factors, including the location and stage of the cancer. The most common treatments for oral cancer include:
Surgery: Surgery is often the first line of treatment for oral cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue. Depending on the location and extent of the cancer, the surgery may involve removing a portion of the tongue, jawbone, or other nearby tissue. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore the appearance and function of the mouth.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often used in combination with surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or as the primary treatment if surgery is not an option. Radiation therapy can cause side effects such as mouth sores, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. This treatment may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific proteins or other molecules that contribute to the growth of cancer cells. This treatment may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Targeted therapy can cause side effects such as diarrhea, fatigue, and skin problems.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that works by boosting the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. This treatment may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Immunotherapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and skin rashes.
Palliative care: Palliative care is a type of supportive care that focuses on improving the quality of life for people with cancer. This type of care may involve pain management, symptom relief, and emotional support.
Content created and supplied by: Latest5 (via Opera News )
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