Subtitle: Just a Mouth Ulcer? Beware of Hidden Cancer Warning Signs

Have you ever experienced this? After working late or eating spicy hotpot, a painful ulcer develops in your mouth the next day, making it unbearable even to drink water or swallow. Most people assume it is just a common symptom of "excessive body heat" that will resolve with some oral gel or by drinking more water. However, if this ulcer persists in your mouth for more than two weeks without healing, or if it feels firm to the touch, it may not be a simple sore—it could be an early warning sign of oral cancer.

 

Oral cancer ranks among the top malignancies among men in Taiwan, posing a severe threat to families and personal health. Many individuals delay seeking medical attention until the tumor grows larger, affecting their swallowing or speech, either out of fear of examination or because they overlook the initial symptoms. In fact, early oral lesions are highly detectable with the naked eye. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the cure and survival rates for early-stage oral cancer are remarkably high.

 

Why Does Oral Cancer Occur? Understanding Common Risk Factors and Mucosal Changes

Oral cancer does not develop overnight; rather, it results from chronic irritation of the oral mucosa by external substances. In Taiwan, the most common catalysts driving the "oral cancer trilogy" are betel nut chewing, cigarette smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. These three habits exert a synergistic effect; individuals who engage in all three simultaneously face an oral cancer risk over a hundred times higher than average. Additionally, chronic friction caused by poorly fitting dentures is another common causative factor observed in clinical practice.

 

Before progressing to full-blown cancer, the oral mucosa typically exhibits "precancerous lesions." These changes include persistent white or red patches (leukoplakia or erythroplakia) that cannot be rubbed off, or a stiffening of the oral mucosa that limits mouth opening. Because these mucosal abnormalities are often completely painless, they are difficult for the general public to notice on their own. Only through professional visual inspections and palpation by a physician can these changes be detected early, allowing medical intervention to step on the brakes before the mucosal cells completely turn malignant.

 

The Key to Cancer Prevention: Take Advantage of Free "Oral Mucosal Examinations" and Join the "Check & Win" Campaign

What is the most effective weapon against oral cancer? It is undergoing regular "oral mucosal examinations." This is a very simple, fast, and completely painless check-up. The doctor takes just a few minutes to carefully examine your buccal mucosa, tongue, gums, and the floor of your mouth, looking for any abnormal colorations or lumps. To protect public health, the government subsidies free oral mucosal examinations once every two years for eligible high-risk individuals.

 

To encourage more eligible individuals to step forward and protect themselves, our hospital is fully cooperating with national cancer prevention policies to launch the "Check & Win" campaign! If you qualify for the screening, simply come to our hospital to complete a quick oral mucosal examination, and you will get a chance to enter a lucky draw and win great prizes. Screening not only brings peace of mind but also helps you win the upper hand in managing your health.

 

"Check & Win" Free Screening Eligibility:

l  Individuals aged 30 or above who currently smoke or chew betel nuts (including those who have quit): Eligible once every 2 years.

l  Indigenous individuals aged 18 to 29 who currently chew betel nuts (including those who have quit): Eligible once every 2 years.

(Image Caption: Far Eastern Memorial Hospital provides a convenient oral mucosal examination service that takes only 2 minutes, is painless, and is safe. If you have a smoking or betel nut chewing habit, come join our Check & Win campaign to win a healthier future.)

 

3 Key Lifestyle Tips to Stay Far Away from Oral Cancer

In addition to relying on regular screenings, establishing healthy daily habits is the ultimate way to prevent oral cancer. Doctors recommend starting with these three major approaches:

l  Steer Clear of Carcinogens (Say No to Tobacco, Betel Nuts, and Alcohol): Quitting betel nuts and smoking is the most direct way to protect your oral mucosa. If you find it difficult to quit on your own, you can seek assistance from our hospital's specialized smoking and betel nut cessation counseling clinics.

l  Watch Out for Chronic Oral Friction: If you wear dentures and notice they are loose, damaged, or frequently scratch your gums or cheek lining, see your dentist immediately for adjustments to prevent the mucosa from being in a state of chronic inflammation.

l  Increase Intake of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Foods rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants help repair damaged mucosal cells and boost your overall immune system.

 

Hospital Highlights: FEMH Cross-Disciplinary Integrated Care, Standing as Your Ultimate Health Shield

As a leading medical center in New Taipei City, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital possesses top-tier expertise and extensive experience in oral cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. We have established a streamlined "green channel" referral system. If any suspicious lesion is detected during an oral mucosal examination, the patient can be immediately referred to the Department of Otolaryngology or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for a biopsy. This one-stop service relieves patients of the anxiety of repeatedly booking appointments and waiting in lines.

 

For confirmed cases, our hospital boasts a dedicated "Head and Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Team" comprising experts from Otolaryngology, Oral Surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Plastic Surgery. We tailor the most appropriate treatment strategy for each patient. Beyond pursuing a complete cure for cancer, we place great emphasis on post-operative minimally invasive reconstruction and swallowing rehabilitation, aiming to preserve our patients' appearance and quality of life to the greatest extent possible.

 

FAQ: Master Your Oral Health in Seconds

Q1: I quit chewing betel nuts several years ago. Do I still need an "oral mucosal examination"?

A1: Yes, absolutely! The cellular damage caused by chewing betel nuts accumulates over time, meaning the risk of mucosal lesions persists even after you stop. Therefore, eligible individuals should still undergo regular screening every 2 years.

 

Q2: Does an oral mucosal examination hurt? Do I need a blood test or an X-ray?

A2: It is completely painless. An oral mucosal examination involves a physician visually inspecting and gently palpating the inside of your mouth. It requires no blood draws and involves no radiation, making it a very quick and comfortable process.

 

Q3: If my screening shows "white patches" or "red patches," does it mean I definitely have oral cancer?

A3: Not necessarily. White patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) are classified as "precancerous lesions." This means the cells have begun to show abnormalities but have not yet turned into cancer. At this stage, following your doctor's advice for regular follow-ups, or receiving simple laser therapy or localized excision, can effectively stop the condition from progressing into oral cancer.

 

(Image Caption: Early detection helps win back your health! The progression of oral cancer can take 5 to 20 years. Clinical data proves that up to 77% of lesions found through regular oral mucosal screening are precancerous or early-stage cancer, with early-stage cure rates exceeding 80%.)

 

References

l  Sung, H., Ferlay, J., Siegel, R. L., Laversanne, M., Soerjomataram, I., Jemal, A., & Bray, F. (2021). Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 71(3), 209-249.

l  Johnson, D. E., Burtness, B., Leemans, C. R., Lui, V. W. Y., Bauman, J. E., & Grandis, J. R. (2020). Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6(1), 92.