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Suggest Treatment For Painful Ulcer Under The Tongue

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Posted on Thu, 29 Jan 2015
Question: HI I have an ulcer under my tongue that wont go away its been there for at least 6 weeks

I thought it might be that my teeth are a problem and my tongue is rubbing up against the rough part but because its not going away it might be something more serious

it looks like a little white ball just under the back of the tongue
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
would need ENT assessment

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

An oral ulcer may be due to different causes such as: (1)mechanical trauma- this is the most common cause and is related to possible trauma from the tongue, teeth or finger nails.
Normally, however , resolves in 10 days to 2 weeks

(2)chemical ulcer-eg from the use of aspirin, dentures

(3)thermal injury- related to damage from hot foods or liquids

(4)recurrent aphthous ulcer- these are painful shallow round ulcers which are not related to infection and also not related to any widespread systemic disease

Usually have a previous history of occurrence.

May be family history. May also be related to trauma, stress, sensitivity to some foods

(5)infectious ulcer- eg due to herpes(HSV-1) or one of the other herpes viruses such as HHV-8, oral yeast infection (normally there would be a white coating)

(6)related to cancer

History of smoking and heavy alcohol use would increase the risk of this.

(7)related to a systemic disease such as : lupus, side effect of medication, inflammatory diseases eg crohns, viral/bacterial or fungal systemic infections, kidney disease

Because the ulcer has been there for 6 weeks, you need to consider visiting an ENT doctor for assessment.
An infectious, thermal or mechanical ulcer would normally have healed by this time though variations can occur.

If you do not know an ENT doctor, your GP can refer you to one.

He or she will take a history of your symptoms , any medications , any other symptoms that may point to any other conditions.
Will also examine the area and general mouth and throat.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (20 hours later)
It does have like a white coating which when wiped off still leaves a little white ulcer. I also have had mild change in the cells of my last pap Ive had a colposcopy which was fine last year. Because of my haemochromatosis ive had a full abdoman unltra sound which found a pollup in my gall bladder which turned out to be sludge on my follow up scan. Could this be related. If not what treatment would be used to fix my ulcer on my tongue?

please reply im so scared
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
if yeast related- oral antifungals

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is understandable to be concerned but it may not be a serious ulcer.

It may be an infectious ulcer if there is a white coating, more specifically related to oral yeast infection.

You can consider scheduling an appointment with your GP who would be able to easily determine if it appears to be a yeast infection and would be able to initiate treatment.
Treatment would involve oral antifungal agents.
If he or she does not think it is yeast related then there may be a referral to an ENT doc.

In terms of the changes in your pap smear, it would not likely be related nor the findings in the abdomen.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Painful Ulcer Under The Tongue

Brief Answer: would need ENT assessment Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic An oral ulcer may be due to different causes such as: (1)mechanical trauma- this is the most common cause and is related to possible trauma from the tongue, teeth or finger nails. Normally, however , resolves in 10 days to 2 weeks (2)chemical ulcer-eg from the use of aspirin, dentures (3)thermal injury- related to damage from hot foods or liquids (4)recurrent aphthous ulcer- these are painful shallow round ulcers which are not related to infection and also not related to any widespread systemic disease Usually have a previous history of occurrence. May be family history. May also be related to trauma, stress, sensitivity to some foods (5)infectious ulcer- eg due to herpes(HSV-1) or one of the other herpes viruses such as HHV-8, oral yeast infection (normally there would be a white coating) (6)related to cancer History of smoking and heavy alcohol use would increase the risk of this. (7)related to a systemic disease such as : lupus, side effect of medication, inflammatory diseases eg crohns, viral/bacterial or fungal systemic infections, kidney disease Because the ulcer has been there for 6 weeks, you need to consider visiting an ENT doctor for assessment. An infectious, thermal or mechanical ulcer would normally have healed by this time though variations can occur. If you do not know an ENT doctor, your GP can refer you to one. He or she will take a history of your symptoms , any medications , any other symptoms that may point to any other conditions. Will also examine the area and general mouth and throat. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions