When an unusual growth appears, understanding its nature, whether a benign skin tag or potentially mouth cancer, is important. This article offers general information on their distinct characteristics, helping differentiate them without providing medical advice or diagnosis.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags are common, harmless growths of the skin. They appear as small, soft pieces of tissue that may be flesh-colored, slightly darker, or brownish. They often dangle from a narrow stalk. These growths range from 1 to 5 millimeters, though some can reach up to 5 centimeters. Skin tags frequently develop in areas where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or jewelry.
Common locations include the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. Skin tags are thought to result from the body producing extra cells in the skin’s top layers due to friction. Factors such as genetics, hormonal changes during pregnancy, obesity, and diabetes can increase their likelihood. Skin tags are painless, but they can become irritated, red, or bleed if rubbed or snagged.
Understanding Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, refers to malignant growths originating in any part of the oral cavity or the adjacent oropharynx. This condition can affect various areas, including the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, and the hard or soft palate. Early-stage mouth cancer may present as persistent sores, red or white patches, or unusual lumps that do not heal.
Several factors increase the risk of developing mouth cancer. Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco, is a major risk factor. Heavy alcohol consumption also contributes to risk, and combining tobacco and alcohol use multiplies this risk. Other factors include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, excessive sun exposure (for lip cancer), and a weakened immune system. Recognizing these risk factors and early signs is important for successful treatment.
Key Differences and Warning Signs
Distinguishing skin tags from mouth cancer involves observing several characteristics.
Appearance and Texture
Skin tags are soft, small, and often dangle from a stalk. In contrast, mouth cancer lesions can be firm, irregular in shape, and may appear as flat patches or raised lumps within the mouth.
Color
Color-wise, skin tags match the surrounding skin tone or are slightly darker brown. Mouth cancer often manifests as persistent red or white patches, which may appear velvety or rough.
Pain and Growth
Skin tags are painless unless irritated by friction. Mouth cancer lesions may initially be painless but can cause pain, tenderness, or numbness as they progress. Skin tags remain stable or grow slowly. Mouth cancer lesions are more likely to grow, change, or spread to surrounding tissues.
Bleeding and Other Symptoms
Bleeding is rare with skin tags unless traumatized. Oral cancer lesions may bleed easily or persistently without apparent cause. Beyond local signs, mouth cancer can present with other warning symptoms. These may include difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking, a persistent sore throat, voice changes, unexplained weight loss, or a lump in the neck.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Self-diagnosis is insufficient for evaluating unusual growths, especially in the mouth. Professional medical evaluation is necessary for any suspicious lesion. Seek medical attention if any sore or lesion in the mouth or on the lip does not heal within two weeks. Any new or changing lump, patch, or discolored area in the mouth or on the lips also requires immediate medical consultation. If any warning signs associated with mouth cancer, such as persistent pain, difficulty with oral functions, voice changes, or unexplained weight loss, are present, seek medical attention immediately.
A medical professional, such as a dentist or physician, will conduct a visual examination and palpation of the mouth and neck. They may refer to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or an ENT doctor. Diagnostic procedures include a biopsy, where a tissue sample is removed for microscopic examination, the only definitive way to diagnose cancer. Imaging scans like CT, MRI, or PET scans may also be used to assess the extent of abnormalities. Early detection of mouth cancer can lead to less aggressive treatment and improve outcomes.