The mouth, or oral cavity, is crucial to a person’s overall health and well-being. As the entry point to the digestive system, it is responsible for ingesting food and drink, initiating digestion and enabling communication through speech and expression. However, various conditions can impact the mouth, making eating, drinking or even smiling challenging. Common issues include cold sores, canker sores, thrush, leukoplakia, dry mouth and gum or tooth problems. These problems can range from mild discomfort to severe complications, which calls for appropriate treatment. In some cases, tumors may develop in the oral cavity, requiring surgical intervention for excision. Learn about mouth disease care, the process of tumor excision and what to expect from surgery.

Why Do I Have a Sore Throat?

Sore throats are common and can make speaking, swallowing or even breathing uncomfortable. Infections from viruses or bacteria often cause a sore throat, but other factors such as allergies, irritants or even acid reflux can contribute. Some of the most common causes of sore throat include:

• Viral Infections: Colds, flu, measles, chickenpox, croup and mono are all viral infections that can lead to a sore throat. Mono, for example, can cause prolonged symptoms like sore throat, fatigue and swollen glands that may last for weeks.
• Bacterial Infections: Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms can include a fever, white patches on the throat and swollen neck glands. Other bacterial infections like whooping cough and tonsillitis may also cause sore throats.
• Epiglottitis: A serious throat infection where swelling in the throat can block the airway, making it hard to breathe. A person with epiglottitis needs emergency medical attention if symptoms like painful swallowing, muffled speech and breathing difficulty arise.
• Allergies and Irritants: Allergies to pollen, dust or pet dander can lead to throat irritation. Exposure to irritants like smoke, pollutants or chemical fumes and even voice strain can also cause discomfort.
• Reflux: Acid reflux, or laryngopharyngeal reflux, can cause a sore throat, especially in the morning. Stomach acids coming up into the throat can lead to irritation.
• Throat Tumors: Tumors of the throat, tongue or larynx can cause persistent sore throat, hoarseness and other symptoms like difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck.

If your sore throat lasts more than five to 10 days, it is best to consult a doctor. They may suggest a throat culture to determine if bacteria are involved and prescribe antibiotics if needed. Supportive care like warm tea with honey, humidifiers, saltwater gargling and over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve viral infections.

What Is This Lump in My Mouth?

Finding a lump or bump in the mouth can be concerning, but these are often harmless. Common causes include cold sores, canker sores and cysts, which may appear on the tongue, lips or hard palate. While most of these lesions are benign, some can be more serious, such as oral cancer, especially if they bleed or do not heal.

If you experience ongoing pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, changes in the size or appearance of the lump, a foul smell in your mouth or if your dental devices no longer fit correctly, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, if a new lump does not go away after a few weeks or you are having trouble breathing, seeking medical advice is essential.

What Is Tumor Removal Surgery Called?

Tumor removal surgery, commonly known as tumor excision or resection, is a procedure in which a surgeon removes cancerous tissue from the body. It varies based on factors such as the location and size of the tumor and the patient's preferences. The two main types of tumor removal surgery are:

• Open Surgery: A single, large incision is made to access and remove the tumor, surrounding healthy tissue and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Small incisions are made, and a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted to guide the surgeon in removing the tumor with minimal cuts, allowing for quicker recovery.

Tumor removal surgery is often combined with other treatments to improve outcomes. It can entirely remove a tumor, reduce its size or relieve symptoms caused by tumor-related pressure or pain. Tumor removal surgery is typically effective for localized solid tumors.

Why Do They Remove Tumors?

Tumor removal in the mouth is essential because it can help prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Treatment often involves surgery to excise the tumor and surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal, reducing the likelihood of recurrence. In more advanced cases, treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may follow surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. Early intervention through tumor removal is vital to managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and, in some cases, achieving a full recovery.

How Long Does Tumor Removal Surgery Take?

The duration of tumor removal surgery varies depending on the tumor's size, location and surgical complexity. Compared to small, accessible tumors, complex cases involving extensive tissue removal or reconstruction often require several hours or may be done in stages, including post-surgical recovery time and monitoring.

Find an ENT Doctor in the Rio Grande Valley

Healthcare is better together. If you or a loved one is dealing with mouth diseases or tumors, seeking care from a qualified ENT doctor is crucial. Our multidisciplinary team at Valley Baptist Physician Network provides experienced and compassionate care tailored to your needs. We offer comprehensive diagnostics and treatment options to help ensure the best possible outcomes.

For more information on our ENT services, call 956-804-5851 or find an ENT doctor in the Rio Grande Valley.