Oral Cancer Lump On Gum: How To Identify Oral Cancer From Others?
Are you worried about an oral cancer lump on the gum? Most of the time, a lump or sore on the gums is not often a medical emergency. However, it is essential to get a consultation from your dentist if you have a persistent bump or raised region on your gums. This is because unusual growths in your mouth can become cancerous, and seeing a professional without delay is the key to preventing worsening the condition. Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes and how to identify when a lump on your gums might indicate something more serious.
Are you worried about oral cancer, lump on gum, or a questionable mouth sore? Most of the time, a lump or sore on the gums is not often a medical emergency. However, it is essential to get a consultation from your dentist if you have a persistent bump or raised region on your gums. This is because unusual growths in your mouth can become cancerous, and seeing an oral health professional without delay is the key to preventing worsening the condition. Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes and how to identify when a lump on your gums might indicate something more serious.
Possible Reasons For The Bump on The Gums
Oral severe conditions may cause a sore or bump on the gums, yet this is not usually the case. Nevertheless, here are the following possible causes of a bump on the gums:
Cyst
A dental cyst is a tiny bubble filled with liquid, air, or other soft substances. Though this is not a type of oral cavity cancer, you may experience some pain and swelling once a cyst develops on your 
gums.
If it is sufficiently big, a cyst can create pressure on your teeth, causing weakness in your jaw over the long run. Most dental cysts are not difficult to eliminate using a straightforward surgical procedure.
Abscess
An abscess on the gums, also called periodontal abscess, develops because of bacterial infections in the mouth. This condition can cause small collections of pus. The most common symptoms include:
- redness and swelling in your gums or face
- pain that gets worse when you lie down
- throbbing pain that comes on suddenly and gets worse
- pain on one side that spreads to the ear, jaw, head, and neck
If you have an abscess, seeing a qualified dentist as soon as possible is crucial to prevent further complications. The dentist can get rid of the source of the infection and drain the pus. They may also perform tooth extraction or root canal treatment depending on the severity of the condition.
Canker Sore
Canker sores also called aphthous ulcers or mouth ulcers, are sores or lesions in the mouth that usually develop on the gums’ base. Unlike oral cancers, canker sores are harmless. However, they can be painful, mainly when they form inside your mouth.
Manifestations of a canker sore include:
- severe tenderness
- white or yellow spots with a red edge
- flat or slightly raised bumps
- pain while eating and drinking
Most canker sores heal all alone within one to two weeks. So, if the oral lesions last for more than two weeks, see your dentist immediately.
Mandibular Torus
A mandibular torus is a term used to describe a bony growth in the upper or lower jaw. These hard lumps are generally common and not an indication of mouth cancer. However, professionals are not sure of what causes them. They can appear alone or in a group, and you can get them on one or two sides of your jaw.
Furthermore, mandibular tori grow gradually and can develop in numerous forms. They typically feel hard and smooth to the touch and seldom need treatment.
Oral Cavity Cancer
Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer, also called mouth cancer, is cancer that develops in your mouth, lips, or throat, including your gums. Mouth cancer is a group of cancers known as head and neck cancers. A routine dental exam is a necessary tool to preclude these conditions.
In any case, precancerous changes in your mouth may not cause painful symptoms, yet it may appear like a small growth, bump, or thickening of the skin.
Other signs and symptoms of oral cancer incorporate:
- a bleeding sore
- jaw pain
- neck pain
- a sore that is more than two weeks and do not disappear
- a white or red patch on your gums
- sore throat
- tongue pain
- loose teeth
- difficulty swallowing or chewing
If you are worried that a bump might be cancerous, go to this link here to schedule your oral cancer exam as soon as possible. Your doctor or dentist may provide medical advice and treatment for your condition.
Most mouth cancers, especially in their early form, require a biopsy test to determine if the bump on your gums is cancerous. After that, your doctor or dentist will create a treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three.
Risk Factors Of Mouth Cancer
Here are the following factors that can expand your risk of developing oral cancer:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Alcohol use
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Prevention
Your lifestyle can make you more likely to develop mouth cancer. To prevent that, stick to the following:
- Eat a healthy balanced diet.
- Stop smoking or using any tobacco products.
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Limit your exposure to the sun or protect your lips by using sunscreen lip product or staying in the shade when possible
In addition, you can detect oral cancer early if you do the following:
Do a Self Physical Examination At Least Once A Month
Use a magnifying mirror under a bright light to examine your lips, mouth, gums, and tongue. Slant your head back and check out and feel the surfaces of your mouth. Then, pull your lips and tongue out to see the inside of your mouth, cheeks, and gums. Examine your throat and feel the lymph nodes on both sides of your neck and under your lower jaw. If you notice any unusual appearance in your mouth, call your dentist’s office immediately.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings is important to keep your teeth healthy. In fact, dangerous patches in the mouth can sometimes be tiny and hard to see alone. That is why you need to visit your dentist on a regular schedule. They can detect any early issues like abnormal cells or growth in the mouth. Early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment.
You can ask the help of Toothsome’s Sydney-based periodontists if you want to make sure that you’re safe.
References:
Periodontal Abscess.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/periodontal-abscess
Canker sore.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615
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