Dear Tim,
Its good to hear that you have decided to stop that very bad habbit. Tongue ulcers are not uncommon. They can happen due to a variety of causes. The commonest is an aphthous or dyspeptic ulcer (also known as canker sores) which is are usually accompanied by GIT troubles,
antibiotic intake or follows the flu. They can be triggered by emotional stress, dietary deficiencies. These are usually very small ulcers situated at the tip and sides of the tounge more often but can actually affect any part of the buccal cavity. They usually occur in groups and are thin and have a rather punched out appearance. They are usually very painful.
Ofcourse your main concern is that it maybe cancer. I cannot rule anything out over the internet due to the obvious physical limitations. Cancers usually large have raised (everted) edges. There is associated debris, blood and pus. It may be associated with hard fixed or mobile
lymph node enlargement in the neck. Its usually a single ulcer and may be accompanied by
pain.
Another common cause of oral ulcers is a chronic dental ulcer due to a sharp tooth, malfitting dentures. Their edges are usually sloping and they may discharge blood and pus.
Less common tongue ulcers include
tuberculosis and syphilis.
Best regards,
Dr. Tamer Fouad, MD
MB, BCh, MSc Internal Medicine.
Consultant of Hematology - Oncology.
