Welcome to OCF, Tammy! Any sore that is in the mouth that does not heal on its own within 2-3 weeks should be checked by a specialist. You will want to find an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer patients. You do NOT want to go to one who mostly puts tubes in kids ears. If your referral is to someone who is not qualified then its just wasting your time and money. I suggest calling your insurance company or hospitals in your area and looking for an ENT who treats oral cancer patients then calling your physician who gave you the referral and asking for another one to the ENT you found.

During this time I suggest avoiding drinking and anything that can irritate your mouth. If you smoke (even e-cigs) please avoid it like the plague! Also do not use any mouthwash that contains alcohol. By eliminating irritants you are giving your mouth a chance to heal on its own. It could be all kinds of things besides cancer or a pre-cancerous sore. There are many things that are not serious and easily fixed that can look like its something serious but really isnt. Hopefully what you have is one of the non-serious patches.

Best wishes!!!


PS...Do yourself a favor and avoid Dr Google. It will only bring you unneeded stress when it brings up major illnesses. Anything that causes more worrying should be avoided. Worrying has never changed a test result or helped anyone with anything positive. Keep yourself busy to keep your mind away from the "what if's". Its likely going to be a few weeks before you can get into the ENT and if you need a biopsy the results will be at least another week. Waiting stinks!!!