Let you know the normal tissue structures of oral mucosa that are often misunderstood as "tumors"

Let you know the normal tissue structures of oral mucosa that are often misunderstood as "tumors"

Everyone has a love for beauty.

The act of looking in the mirror exists in the life of each of us.

Checking your oral cavity in the mirror is also a reflection of your personal concern for oral health.

However, some people associate the bumps in the oral mucosa with "cancer" when they accidentally find them during self-examination, and often mistake some normal oral tissue structures for "tumors". In fact, the oral mucosa is not flat, and some bumps are not "cauliflower-like tumors" but normal tissue structures. Often, after going to the hospital for a doctor's examination, it is discovered that it was just a false alarm.

So, which normal tissue structures in our mouth may be mistaken for "oral tumors"?

Let’s quickly get to know them correctly!

1. Nipple contouring

It is a taste receptor organ located at the root of the tongue, like a row of bunkers guarding the passage from the mouth to the throat. There are usually 7 to 9 of them arranged in an arc, with a large number of taste buds.

2. Foliate papilla

It is a taste receptor located on the back of the tongue on both sides. It is composed of 5 to 8 parallel longitudinal folds. It is not really split!

3. Sublingual caruncle, sublingual folds and sublingual fimbria

They are located on both sides of the frenulum at the floor of the mouth. The sublingual caruncle is like two small hills. The slightly shorter ones on both sides are the sublingual folds. If you look closely, there are openings on them for secreting saliva. The "whiskers"-like structures next to them are the sublingual fimbriae. They are not "genital warts"!

4. Parotid duct opening

Generally, the parotid glands secrete saliva from the openings on each side of the cheek opposite the last few large teeth in the upper dentition.

5. Incisor papilla and palatal fold

The ceiling between the two upper front teeth looks like a small bump when licked by the tongue. It silently protects the deep incisor holes and incisor canals, and can also assist in the positioning of the teeth. The wrinkle behind it is called the palatine fold, which bears the chewing pressure and assists in pronunciation. If it is smooth, the pronunciation may be a whistle.

They are often misunderstood, so you should remember this knowledge! Don't underestimate them because they are just small and unremarkable creatures. They have been playing their respective roles silently. Some of them can sense taste, some can secrete saliva, and they have their own duties. They are small but have great energy. They hate stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol and betel nut. If you stimulate them every day and don't take care of them, they will get angry (swollen)!

Finally, you need to be vigilant. If the normal structures mentioned above suddenly swell or change color, or ulcers appear on the oral mucosa, and they do not improve for more than two weeks, you need to go to the oral mucosa department as soon as possible!

Misunderstanding is only temporary, you and I need to know the truth.

Pay attention to oral health and embrace overall health.