In most cases, tiny bumps on either side of the tongue are usually harmless, however a bump on only one side may be cancerous. Unexplained red or white areas, sores, or lumps on the tongue—especially if painless—may be signs of cancer and should be examined by a doctor or dentist. Most oral cancers grow on the sides of the tongue or on the floor of the mouth. Cancer almost never appears on the top of the tongue, except when the cancer occurs after untreated syphilis.
Types of Tongue Sores:
Tongue Blisters:
Tongue blisters and other forms of fever blisters are caused by type 1 of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). These blisters, like other HSV-1 infections, have a more severe and longer initial outbreak compared to recurrent infections. The first outbreak of herpes more often occurs during childhood, especially between 6 months and three years old. The blisters form inside the mouth, specifically on the tongue, gums, and throat. This outbreak is called gingivostomatitis. In children, the blisters are accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever, and difficulty in swallowing. The symptoms of fever blisters usually remain for about a week and are self-limited, meaning they get healed on their own.
Canker Sores:
Canker sores are shallow, painful sores in the mouth. They are usually red or may sometimes have a white coating over them. You might get them on the inside of your lips, the insides of your cheeks, the base of your gums or under your tongue. Canker sores are different from fever blisters, which usually are on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.
Anyone can get canker sores, but women and people in their teens and 20s get them more often. Canker sores may run in families, but they aren't contagious. Doctors don't know what causes canker sores, but they may be triggered by stress, poor nutrition, food allergies and menstrual periods.
Oral Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus - HSV):
There are two types of HSV, HSV-1 and HSV-2. In most cases, HSV-1 causes ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa/lips that are commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. HSV-2, on the other hand, generally causes genital herpes. However, some genital herpes may be caused by HSV-1 virus, and some oral herpes may be caused by HSV-2. This cross infection can happen when sexual partners have oral-genital relations.
Tongue sores can be very painful and could very well be symptoms of much more serious issues, it is my suggestion that in any occurance of tongue or mouth related sores you consult a physician as soon as possible.
