A mouth ulcer that won’t heal: when to see a doctor
Most mouth ulcers heal within two weeks. One that doesn’t, especially if you use tobacco, needs to be examined. Here is what to look for.
Dr. Suraga Belakawadi
MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology), FMASO
Fellowship in Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgical Oncology
Gold medal, MCh Surgical Oncology
Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgical Oncologist
Attending Consultant, KIMS RENOVA Oncology Institute, Mahadevpura, Bengaluru
I treat cancers of the digestive system, breast, female reproductive organs, head and neck (including the thyroid), skin and soft tissues. Where it is the right choice for you, I use robotic or keyhole surgery, which means smaller cuts and usually a quicker return to normal life.
Cancers I treat
Each page explains the condition in plain language: warning signs, tests, treatment options and what recovery looks like.
- Upper GI cancers Cancers of the oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach. They are often found late because early symptoms feel like ordinary acidity.
- Breast cancer The most common cancer in women in India. Found early, it is very treatable, and many women can keep their breast.
- Colorectal cancers Cancers of the colon and rectum, including sphincter-sparing surgery that avoids a permanent stoma bag wherever it is safe.
- Gynaecological cancers and HIPEC Cancers of the ovary, uterus and cervix. HIPEC, heated chemotherapy given during surgery, can help selected patients with ovarian cancer.
- Pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct cancers Cancers of the pancreas and the bile drainage system. Jaundice is often the first sign.
- Head and neck cancers Cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, thyroid and salivary glands. Mouth cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, and most cases are linked to tobacco.
- Soft tissue sarcomas and skin cancers Sarcomas are rare cancers of fat, muscle and other connective tissue. Skin cancers include melanoma and the more common non-melanoma types. For both, the first operation matters most.
About Dr. Suraga
Dr. Suraga believes good cancer care starts with listening. He takes time to explain each option clearly, involves families in decisions, and plans every treatment around the person, not only the disease.
Through @onco_outreach on Instagram, he shares short, practical videos on spotting cancer early and understanding treatment.
Understanding cancer
Plain-language articles on warning signs, tests and recovery.
Blood in the stool: is it piles or something more?
Bleeding from the back passage is often blamed on piles. Usually that is right, but bowel cancer can cause the same symptom. Here is when to get it checked.
Referring a patient?
Share the case on WhatsApp or call directly. Dr. Suraga is glad to discuss whether robotic or minimally invasive surgery suits your patient.
Visit the clinic
- Clinic hours
- Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Hospital
- KIMS RENOVA Oncology Institute
Survey No. 36/5, Outer Ring Road, Doddanekkundi, K.R. Puram, Mahadevpura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560037
Please bring any scans, biopsy reports and previous treatment records to your first visit.