Pale sores inside the mouth – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers): These are common, small, shallow ulcers that can be painful but are usually not serious. The exact cause is unknown, but stress, injury, and certain foods may be triggers.
• Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): A fungal infection that causes white or pale sores on the tongue, cheeks, and other areas of the mouth. Common in infants, but can affect anyone, especially those with weakened immune systems.
• Leukoplakia: White or pale patches that can develop on the tongue or inside the cheeks. While often benign, some forms of leukoplakia can be precancerous.
• Oral Lichen Planus: A chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes inside the mouth, sometimes causing white or pale lacy patterns or sores.
• Oral Cancer: Mouth sores that don’t heal, especially if they are white, red, or mixed white and red, can be a sign of oral cancer. This is more common in smokers and heavy drinkers.
• Other Conditions: Certain autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or reactions to medications can also cause mouth sores.

Diagnosis:

• Visual Exam: Careful examination of the sores, noting their size, location, number, and appearance.
• Patient History: Gathering information about the onset, duration, any other symptoms, and any relevant medical history.
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample may be taken from the sore for examination under a microscope, especially if oral cancer is suspected.
• Culture: A swab of the sore may be taken to check for fungal or bacterial infections.

Treatment:

• Canker Sores: Usually heal on their own within a week or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers or topical anesthetic gels can help manage pain.
• Oral Thrush: Treated with antifungal medications, such as lozenges, mouthwash, or oral suspensions.
• Leukoplakia: Treatment depends on the cause and appearance of the lesion. Regular monitoring or biopsy may be recommended. If precancerous, treatment may involve removal of the lesion.
• Oral Lichen Planus: Treatment may involve topical corticosteroids or other medications to manage inflammation.
• Oral Cancer: Treatment will depend on the stage and location of the cancer and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other therapies.

Important Considerations:

• Any mouth sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks, or any white or pale sore accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing, ear pain, or a lump in the neck, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.
• Do not attempt to self-treat mouth sores without consulting a doctor. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.