You're correct, oral cancer is not a common cancer. But it is a deadly, life changing cancer that has a lousy survival rate. Only around 50% of newly diagnosed patients will still be alive 5 years later. The most recent numbers are around 50,000 from the US will get diagnosed in 2017. As a former smoker its in your best interest to call and get into see your ENT. Most sores will get better on their own within 2-3 weeks. If you are using a strong mouthwash (listerine or any other that contains alcohol) or ecigs, quit using them immediately. They have known cancer causing additives which will dramatically slow down healing. Also, the extra stress this is causing you could make the sore slower to heal as well. Sounds like you have something thats swollen which is causing

There are many things that can happen here and there in normally heathly adults mouths. Most are non-cancerous. An experienced ENT can give you a thorough exam and do the biopsy. They usually are have a good hunch after the exam and visually checking out a sore of what something is but they need a biopsy to confirm their opinion. As of right now, your sore/spot is NOT cancer. Its NOT cancer until the biopsy says it is. Looking at many photos of mouth sores, its not possible for non-medical professionals to differentiate whats cancer and what isnt just by looking and doing the screening. Im not sure who you are referring to saying so many make your sore seem like its cancerous. If they are not medical professionals who specialize in treating oral cancer patients then ignore what they say. A true medical professional normally will tell you it could be cancer but they wont know until the biopsy results come back.

Since its already been over a week of waiting why not save yourself some time and call the ENT to make an appointment for the end of next week? Most ENTs take a few weeks to get into see them so by calling now should save some time. Plus if your sore and the pain disappear you can always call and cancel your appointment.

I hope its nothing serious. Keep us updated on how you make out. Best wishes!!

Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile