Mouth sore or patch that won't heal (needs checking)

Overview

White patches (leukoplakia) and red patches (erythroplakia) can be precancer.

Most mouth sores heal in 2 weeks; ones that don't should be checked.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Mouth sore or patch over 2 weeks
• Mouth sore, or white or red patch, that won't heal

Less common

• Numbness
• Pain

When to get medical care

Causes

Irritation, tobacco.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Tobacco
• People who smoke, chew tobacco, or drink heavily: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Mouth cancer
• Mouth, throat, or voice box cancer: Some patches turn into cancer

Diagnosis

Exam and biopsy.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Biopsy:

Treatment

Get checked.

Self-care

• Stop tobacco

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• No tobacco
• Don't smoke
• Limit alcohol

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dentist or an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Smokers and heavy drinkers: Highest risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most are benign.

Most are not cancer.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need a biopsy?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Mouth sore or patch that won't heal (needs checking)