Question 1

how do you tell the difference between a canker sore and oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Time and/or Biopsy: A canker sore wil go away in a short period of time (usually days). Oral cancer won't. Only definite way to know is with a biopsy.

Question 2

can you tell me how to know the difference between a canker sore and oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Pain: A canker sore is usually painful but likely will resolve in 10-15 days.

Oral cancer is usually not painful until later stages.  It can have many different appearances so it's not easy to diagnose visually.  It will not resolve in 2 weeks.

See a dentist, oral surgeon, or periodontist if the lesion is present for more than 2 weeks regardless of how it feels.

Question 3

how are canker sore and what oral cancer differ?

Accepted Answer

Oral Ca: Both are ulcerations in the oral cavity, but there are significant differences. Canker sores are usually in the cheeks and lips, oral ca can be anywhere in the oral cavity. Canker sores are almost always painful, while oral ca ulcerations usually aren't painful. The biggest difference is canker sores will heal in 2 weeks, occasionally up to a month, and oral ca ulcerations don't heal, ever.

Question 4

how to tell the difference between a canker sore and mouth cancer?

Accepted Answer

Go to dentist: Dentists are trained in this area and can help differentiate the two.

Question 5

could oral cancer hurt if you put salt on it like a canker sore or would the salt have no effect on it?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Cancer can be an ulcer. Salt on an ulcer can cause pain.

Question 6

i dipped for 2 years and the other day i got a bump. it got bigger till it turned into what looks like a canker sore. but not white.oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully not: Dipping is an absolutely terrible habit and you should stop immediately. Look at this as a warning sign.  On the other hand, this is a very new lesion. It would be too early to worry that this is cancer. I would advise close observation. If this were to persist, get larger, or bleed you must see a doctor for evaluation.

Question 7

i have a canker sore for 6 months and it has not healed. is it oral cancer? it is located on ground of my lips and does not hurt.

Accepted Answer

Not likely but it: needs to be examined. It is not feasible to provide a more informed opinion, without examining the lesion. It would be prudent to see your doctor or dentist.

Question 8

can mouth canker sore cause severe ear pain? i went to ent and have no fluid in ear or anything visible! oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Referred pain: Lesions in the deeper part of the mouth may cause the feeling of pain in the ear. You may wish to see your dentist for evaluation of oral health. If it is not due to oral health issues, the next step would be consult an internist to ascertain the cause of canker sores and treat the cause.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 9

diagnosed with hpv and have a canker sore on the front of my mouth. its not in the back of throat like things say, should i be worried for oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

HPV: You may have a canker sore.  This will heal in about 10 days to 2 weeks.   Oral cancers are typically painless spots that do not heal and are more likely n older patients, in frequent at your age.
If your lesion does not heal within 2 weeks see a dentist or oral surgeon and have the area evaluated.

Question 10

i have a sore palate which i think it's canker sore. it's getting more frequent. would like to get it checked for cancer. what kind of dr i should see?

Accepted Answer

ENT: Your own primary care doctor may be well qualified to deal with these sores. If there's any question, a referral to an otolaryngologist, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, would be appropriate. It's very doubtful a painful palate lesion would be malignant, but you should certainly check it out. Good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

How to tell the difference between canker sore and oral cancer

A member asked:

How do you tell the difference between a canker sore and oral cancer?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how to know the difference between a canker sore and oral cancer?

A member asked:

How are canker sore and what oral cancer differ?

A member asked:

How to tell the difference between a canker sore and mouth cancer?

A member asked:

Could oral cancer hurt if you put salt on it like a canker sore or would the salt have no effect on it?

A member asked:

I dipped for 2 years and the other day i got a bump. it got bigger till it turned into what looks like a canker sore. but not white.oral cancer?

A member asked:

I have a canker sore for 6 months and it has not healed. is it oral cancer? it is located on ground of my lips and does not hurt.

A member asked:

Can mouth canker sore cause severe ear pain? i went to ent and have no fluid in ear or anything visible! oral cancer?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with hpv and have a canker sore on the front of my mouth. its not in the back of throat like things say, should i be worried for oral cancer?

A member asked:

I have a sore palate which i think it's canker sore. it's getting more frequent. would like to get it checked for cancer. what kind of dr i should see?

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