Tumor diseases in the oral cavity represent an important part of the pathology of the maxillofacial region. In many cases, the early stages of these diseases proceed without pronounced symptoms, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis.
For this reason, recognition of early signs is essential for early detection of the disease and successful treatment.
What are tumors in the oral cavity
Oral tumours represent an accumulation of an increased amount of cells originating from a given organ but differing in maturity or organisation from normal cells.
Tumors can be both Benign (similar in characteristics to normal cells and limited in development), both Malignant (composed of immature and modified cells, and entering tissues without a clear limiting boundary).
They can develop in various structures of the oral cavity, including:
- the mucous membrane of the mouth
- language
- Gums
- hard and soft palate
- border zone of the throat
- the bony structures of the jaws
Some of these growths develop slowly and may go unnoticed for a long time.
Most common early symptoms
Among the signs that can point to the presence of a tumor formation are:
Appearance of a wound that does not heal
One of the most common early symptoms is a sore or ulcer in the oral cavity that does not heal within two to three weeks.
Appearance of a lump or swelling
The presence of a hard formation or swelling in the area of the oral cavity, tongue or gums can be a sign of a pathological process.
Change in mucous membrane color
Sections with:
- white or whitish colour
- red spots or erosions
- brown-black spots
- purple spots or bumps
- uneven or thickened mucosa
Pain or discomfort
In the early stages, pain may be absent, but as the disease progresses it may occur:
- spontaneous (unprovoked) pain
- pain when chewing
- pain when swallowing
- sensation of a foreign body in the mouth
These pains can be both in the area of the developing process and radiating (reflected) to the ear, throat or temple, along the course of the affected nerves.
Numbness or loss of sensation
Sometimes patients report numbness of the lip, tongue or chin, in processes developing around or in the lower jaw, and around the nose and cheekbone, in processes developing around or in the upper jaw or orbit.
When to seek a specialist
In the presence of any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to consult a specialist:
- a wound in the mouth that does not heal
- unexplained lump or swelling
- prolonged pain in the oral cavity
- difficulty swallowing
- changes in voice
Timely consultation with a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery allows the necessary tests and accurate diagnosis.
The importance of preventive examinations
Regular dental and medical checkups play an important role in the early detection of pathological changes in the oral cavity, face, and pea. In many cases, it is during a prophylactic examination that changes can be detected that the patient has not noticed himself.
Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Author:
Bulgarian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery