Mike,
Of course this sounds obvious I definitely recommend having a qualified ( cancer trained ) ENT take a look at you ASAP. I went on for several months going from dentist to periodontist to endodontist, thinking I had gum or tooth problem, and later had M.D. friend look at dry, sore throat, and, everyone thought, " you're healthy, in great shape, so it is probably just allergies or reflux". Finally I began to have trouble swallowing food and I was forced to see an ENT, who, after first a barium swallow xray and then a scope down the nose ( done in the office), immediately diagnosed cancerous lesion at base of tongue.
Point is, if I had caught it early enough perhaps a little surgery would have removed everything rather than letting it evolve to Stage IV with neck nodes.
So, my advice...when in doubt...check it out!!

Danny G.