Mouth ulcers are a common annoyance, often linked to stress, tiredness, or minor irritations like ill-fitting braces or spicy foods. While most ulcers are harmless and clear up within one to two weeks, radiation oncologist Dr Jiri Kubes of the Proton Therapy Center warns that any ulcer persisting longer than three weeks could be a sign of something more serious, such as mouth cancer.
“Ulcers inside the cheeks, lips, or on the tongue are frequent and rarely dangerous, but because they’re so common, persistent ones can easily be overlooked,” explains Dr Kubes. “If an ulcer doesn’t heal within three weeks, it’s important to see a GP or dentist.”
Dr Kubes also advises monitoring for unusual red or white patches in the mouth, as well as any persistent lumps or bumps on the mouth and neck, unexplained oral pain, or difficulty swallowing. Less common symptoms to watch for include unexpected weight loss, a hoarse voice, or ongoing bad breath.
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“The inside of your mouth should look pink and healthy,” Dr Kubes notes. “Any unusual changes—whether discolouration, lumps, or sores on the tongue or lips—that don’t resolve should prompt a medical check-up.”
Treatment options for mouth cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Proton beam therapy, a precise radiotherapy technique using positively charged protons, can target cancer cells with exceptional accuracy. This method reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissues, which is crucial in the sensitive areas of the head and neck.
“Proton therapy’s pencil-point precision helps minimize side effects,” says Dr Kubes. “It’s a promising treatment that protects vital tissues while attacking cancer cells effectively.”