Is a gum lump oral cancer?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Many oral diseases can present with gum swelling, such as gingivitis, periodontal abscess, and periapical periodontitis, all of which can cause swelling. Therefore, gum swelling is not necessarily indicative of oral cancer. However, the early symptoms of oral cancer are not very clear and typically include persistent oral ulcers that heal slowly, bleeding, pain, and swelling. Particularly in patients over 40 years of age, if such symptoms are present, it is advisable to visit a dental specialist hospital for an examination to treat the primary disease timely and to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

Other Voices

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What should I do about oral cancer causing facial perforation?

Patients with oral cancer presenting with facial perforation symptoms can be treated with the following clinical methods: First, local dressing changes should be performed on the perforated facial tissue. Topically applied antibiotics can be used to prevent and treat infections caused by the perforation. Additionally, topical anesthetics can be applied to alleviate pain. Second, as facial perforations are often due to cancerous tissue damage, considering the application of topical chemotherapy drugs can promote the shrinkage of cancerous lesions at the perforation site, which is beneficial for the growth of normal tissues.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
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Can oral cancer patients drink alcohol?

Patients who have been definitively diagnosed with oral cancer are best advised not to consume alcohol, which can be classified into the following situations: First, patients in whom oral cancer is discovered late and who are unable to undergo curative surgery still have cancerous lesions present. The vasculature of the tumor surface is relatively fragile, and drinking alcohol can cause damage to the local mucosa, leading to significant pain and even bleeding. Second, patients who have been diagnosed early with oral cancer and have undergone surgery will have scar tissue formation locally. Drinking alcohol can cause further damage to the mucosa and even irritate the scars. Third, patients who receive radiation therapy for oral cancer have normal oral mucosa that is already susceptible to radiation damage. Drinking alcohol at this time can exacerbate this type of radiation-induced mucosal damage.

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Written by Liu Ping
Oncology
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Can oral cancer ulceration with pus infect others?

Oral cancer ulceration and pus discharge indicate that the tumor cells and cancer cells are locally invasive and infiltrative, which is quite severe. Since the mouth communicates and comes into contact with the external environment, bacterial infection is inevitable. Thus, ulceration often coincides with bacterial infection, leading to inflammation and pus discharge, which can infect others. In terms of infection, bacteria can definitely be transmitted through direct contact and bodily fluid contact. However, it is generally believed that tumor cells are not transmitted to others via direct contact or bodily fluids, considering that a normal person has a functioning immune system capable of recognizing and destroying a small number of tumor cells. Additionally, the likelihood of tumor cells from one person being transmitted to another through bodily fluids is considered very low.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Where does oral cancer commonly metastasize to?

Oral cancer poses a significant threat to human health, thus early detection and treatment are crucial for effective outcomes. In addition to chronic, non-healing ulcers, early signs of oral cancer include abnormal growths, pain, bleeding, and relatively early metastasis. It can infiltrate nearby muscles involved in chewing and biting, the throat affecting swallowing and speech functions, and also spread to cervical lymph nodes, causing enlargement of these nodes. Therefore, besides the symptoms in the mouth, attention must also be given to adjacent organ tissues, especially the condition of the cervical lymph nodes, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for effective results.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
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What foods are good to eat for oral cancer?

Patients with oral cancer should pay special attention to their diet to ensure they are providing their body with added nutrition. Consuming milk, chicken soup, fish soup, and porridge can help supplement nutrients. Additionally, consuming more vitamins by eating fruits and vegetables can enhance the patient's resistance. If the diet is further complemented with high-protein, high-vitamin, high-calorie, and low-fat foods, it can facilitate a quicker recovery. During the treatment of oral cancer, besides taking medications, patients should also be mindful of their diet and maintain a positive and optimistic outlook, which can greatly assist in the treatment of the disease.