Just following up my original post as promised...

I went to see an MD a week or so ago and he was convinced it was a straightforward sore, albeit one which recurred frequently.

Anyway he gave me a paste to rub on the area (first time I used any form of treatment) and asked me to monitor it for 2-3 weeks max before going to see an ENT specialist.

Since this time the sore has markedly reduced in size and is no longer sensitive (no discomfort or pain). There's still a very small red dot but there's no doubt the whole thing has notably reduced. For reassurance however I visited a second (different) dentist for another view yesterday. He confirmed the presence of the "tiny" red dot but stated that the area appeared healthy. He asked me to come see him if changed in any way so that he could check for anything.

Forgive my ignorance of this whole area, but I am interested to understand whether the sore would reduce in this way if it were anything other than a sore? MDs (and dentists) can make you feel the world's hypochondriac and I am reluctant to unnecessarily pursue the matter having received three views to the contrary; particular as the paste has undeniably made a difference.

With best regards
Mike