Hello,
I will start by saying I have not been diagnosed with oral cancer. However, I have been lurking on here for about a week reading as much as I can. Here is my situation: For the past 4 years I have had chronic ear pain/pressure, facial tingling and pressure behind my eye on the right side only. I also have a soft, movable lymph node that popped out on the right side of my neck several years ago. Additionally, I have constant dizziness.

In 2014, I became very concerned about both of these symptoms as possibly being OC. I saw two ENTs (not OC specialists, just regular ones that see mostly kids). I saw the first about the lump in my neck, which he told me was "fine" and not to worry. I repeated my concern about OC and my continued ear pain/pressure. He scoped me, said he found nothing and told me to stop worrying. Still not convinced, I saw another ENT about the lump for a second opinion and my ear pain. I specifically asked about a biopsy of the node. He said he could, but it would only be for "anxiety" reasons.

In 2015, the continued ear pain, lump in neck and now right-sided throat/tonsil pain prompted me to again see the second ENT. I repeated my concern about OC. I scoped me and told me everything looked fine. He reluctantly ordered a CT scan. My insurance denied it stating I must have a "medical reason" for the scan. I also tried seeing my regular GP. He also ordered a CT scan, but again it was denied by insurance. I gave up and tried to move on with my life.

Now, in 2017 I became scared again and decided to try one more time as the ear pain/pressure and facial tingling has become constant and more painful. The right-sided throat discomfort also continues daily. Most days it is simply discomfort/feeling like something is tugging on that side of my throat and pulling on my right ear. However, when I have had a cold or viral sore throat, the right tonsil becomes MUCH more painful than the left and takes longer to heal. I saw a third ENT who works for a research hospital. Again, not one who specializes in OC though. I tried, but they wouldn't let me book an appointment with that one. Once again, I explained my symptoms, that I know I have likely been exposed to HPV and my concern about OC. He used the endoscope on me and, like the others, said he couldn't see anything of concern. He diagnosed me with migraines and sent me on my way with a migraine prescription.

A week later a very hard, bony lump has now appeared on the right side of my palate. It isn't painful nor is it discolored. However, I know it was never there before. As you can imagine, I am very scared, frustrated and confused. I can't get anyone to biopsy my tonsil, neck lump or get a CT scan. I know you good people can't give me a diagnosis, nor is that why I am posting. This new hard lump on my palate now has me truly scared. My anxiety level is now so high I have not slept properly in weeks, I have no appetite and my husband is at his wits end with my worrying. My question for you is, how should I proceed in order to get a biopsy and/or CT scan? I feel like I've been dismissed as hysterical while my symptoms persist without any concrete tests being ordered. How can I get the biopsy I need? How can I get my insurance to finally approve a CT scan? Any advice you can provide would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.