What causes sore on base of tongue?

Posted on Mon, 18 May 2015

Question: Hello,

I recently started noticing something on the base of my tongue right on the curuncle. It has a sore on it right now. Should I be concerned about cancer? I am recently recovering from a viral infection (flu). And is there a way to upload pictures on this site? Pictures will help alot

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can upload images.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Tongue cancer is rare.

2. You can upload images.

3. A sore tongue is common after viral fevers.

4. Start multi vitamin supplements.

Awaiting the images,

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Apthous ulcer. Heal spontaneously; faster with treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. That is an apthous ulcer. There is an inflammation and congestion of the papilla (opening) of the sub-mandibular salivary gland on the right side.

2. Apthous ulcers heal slowly due to the action of saliva. If you use a local application of medical grade liquid Glycerine or an OTC analgesic oral gel/ointment, it will heal faster. They also heal without treatment over a couple of weeks.

3. It does not look like cancer. I would recommend a biopsy only if it does not heal after a month. Apthous ulcers heal very well. Start a multi-vitamin with zinc. Rebamipide (Rebagen) tablets and 5% amlexanox (Lexanox Plus) ointment helps.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar