Hi everyone! I am a 47 yo rn, married mother of 6. I've had a sore throat for about 6 mo.My PCP has run tests, barium swallow,thyroid scan,EGD.All normal, except nodules on thyroid,and refux(no symptoms) I have abnormal bumps on back of my tongue. Saw ENT last month after my dentist said "may be HPV".ENT hesitatated, but did a biopsy of 2 spots on tongue and called and said yes, it's HPV. His path is to just watch and see if it gets worse. I had abnormal paps about 15 years ago and had a LEEP to my cervix, at that time never said it was HPV. I seem to me more worried than my doctors...should I be? I now have bumps in my throat too and it is still red. Anyone with any ideas about next course of action? Need help...I live in small town, Missouri. What should I do/ask next? My PCP is not too conerned. Thanks and God Bless...

Wow never heard this one? If they found HPV from a biopsy in your oral cavity and I assume within squamous cells, then I am surprised that biopsy was also not pathed as a cancer. I'm not an expert by any means (maybe Brian will post here) but if the HPV has infected your cells and your immune system has not cleared it then it will transform those cells into a cancerous mass. Did they mention the location of the tongue? Was it called Base of Tongue?

Knowing what I know, I would take those biopsy slides and RUN to the nearest CCC http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/cancer_centers.htm

I imagine with your being an RN that you see Drs wrong a few times. This is your body and noone elses. Go after them until you get your way and have done what you feel should be. Good luck and I hope the Dr is right but you have to be sure.

Hey David-I haven't been on here in awhile-thanks for your response and advice!..I've still been going through the same old response from Dr.'s...it's nothing, don't worry about it, maybe you need an antidepressant.....I've seen the ENT twice, 2 endocrinologists, ob/gyn, my PCP(more times than I can count). Since we're on to a new year, I'm going to change my providers and hopefully get some answers. It's very frustrating to continue feeling so crummy and see the changes in my mouth/throat and have all the experts(?)have the wait and see attitude. I'm an RN and I see this all the time with my patients(Drs. who don't seem to really listen.) I appreciate you listening to my concerns. Hope all is well!Melinda

Melinda,

I saw 4 cancer docs before I found Moffitt (# 5) and if I had listened to 2 of those 5 I would be dead today. If I had listened to another 2 I would have had unnecessary surgery so don't stop until YOU are satisfied with tyhe answers given to you.

Thanks David-I'm glad you finally got the "right" diagnosis and treatment! I will keep on keeping on....sometimes I think my husband/family think I'm a hypochondriac..lol..I don't burden them with all the worries/thoughts about this, I appreciate the advice and support, I'm so frustrated with the medical community! (and I'm a part of it)...thanks for the response! Will keep you posted....Melinda

I saw 4 of them before I went to the 5th one. I should have stuck with the 1st one and let him do his thing. I have no idea how many Ihave seen in the last few years but there are many. Good luck and use both barrels of your gun if you have to.

the main thing is to find a dr that pays attention to what u are telling him and takes this as serious as u are.
keep on searching til u find that dr that will give u the answers to ur concerns.
keep us posted.

Thanks EZJim-I am hoping and praying to get this all figured out soon...Planning to see a new ENT in Springfield,MO(closest bigger city to us and on our health plan) I dread the thought of going through the whole last year of what's been done/not done, but it will be ok. I've not got to the point of losing my cool yet with them, but it may happen one of these days, lol- I'm usually pretty quiet unless my kids or family is not getting the care they need....guess I need to do the same for myself. I hope you are doing well, sounds like life is better now for you. Take care and thanks for being there for all of us who need a boost! We appreciate your wisdom and caring!

melinda, I wish it was better right now, but I was supposed to have another MRI in Nov and it fizzled. supposed to have one done today the 12th, and right after the report from the dr. He was sick and not going to be there. Now it's scheduled for the 20th and right after he will read the MRI and give me the report within 2 hours. But I am alive and can laugh and have fun. Good luck with the work they will do to make sure of you..