The Hidden Danger Under the Tongue
The floor of the mouth is the horseshoe-shaped area of soft tissue located beneath the tongue and between the sides of the lower jawbone. Because this area is rich in blood vessels and sits in close proximity to the jawbone and salivary glands, any cancer that develops here can advance quickly if not detected early.
At Love Your Jaws, we specialize in the detection and surgical management of floor of the mouth tumors. Dr. Kroum Dimitrov utilizes elite hospital-grade training to ensure that even the smallest lesions are addressed with the highest level of precision.
Symptoms: Is it a Canker Sore or Something More?
Many patients initially mistake early floor of the mouth cancer for a common aphthous ulcer (canker sore). However, while a canker sore typically heals within 10–14 days, a cancerous lesion will persist and grow.
Common Warning Signs:
- A Non-Healing Ulcer: A sore under the tongue that may bleed and does not resolve after two weeks.
- Patches in the Floor of the Mouth: Distinct white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) velvety patches.
- Lumps or Thickening: A firm, often painless lump that you can feel with your tongue or finger.
- Loose Teeth: If the cancer spreads toward the lower jaw (mandible), it may cause the lower teeth to become loose or painful.
- Difficulty Moving the Tongue: Cancer in this area can “tether” the tongue, making it difficult to speak clearly or swallow comfortably.
- Neck Swelling: A lump in the neck, which may indicate the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Risk Factors and Prevention
While anyone can develop oral cancer, floor of the mouth cancer is significantly more common in men and is heavily linked to lifestyle factors.
- Tobacco & Alcohol: The synergistic effect of smoking and heavy drinking is the leading cause of floor of the mouth malignancies.
- Smokeless Tobacco: “Dipping” or chewing tobacco is particularly dangerous for this area, as the carcinogens sit directly against the floor of the mouth.
- HPV Infection: Certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus are increasingly linked to oral cavity cancers.
- Age: Most cases are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50.
Diagnosis: Precision Staging
If Dr. Dimitrov identifies a suspicious lesion, we utilize a tiered diagnostic approach to determine the exact stage and extent of the disease:
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken under local anesthesia to confirm the presence of squamous cell carcinoma.
3D CBCT Imaging: We use in-office 3D scans to see if the tumor has affected the nearby lower jawbone.
Advanced Imaging (MRI/CT): To determine the depth of the tumor and check for lymph node
Advanced Surgical Solutions
Treatment for floor of the mouth cancer is primarily surgical, with the goal of complete removal while maintaining your ability to speak and eat.
Why Choose Dr. Dimitrov
Elite Training: Earned his DMD from the University of Connecticut and completed residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident.
Proven Leadership: Awarded the prestigious Professor’s Cup for excellence in surgery, patient care, and academic achievement.
Meet Dr.Kroum Dimitrov
