I have been to my regluar doctor today and of course he doesn't know what's wrong with me but he did say the bump on my lip isn't a mucole as mentioned before and I also looked online and mines doesn't look anything like the photos..I'm begining to worry I've seen 9 doctors who all refuse to do biopsy but its been 2 weeks and I still have this pimple like bump on my lip and white coated tongue(no its not thrush been treated twice and oral surgeon ruled that out completely) now I'm worried and keep thinking doctors won't do anything until I have open lesions to biopsy but I need to catch whatever is going on early... what else could cause this white coated tongue and hard pimple on lip which isn't decreasing in size at all its appears alittle lager then it was 2 weeks ago and it isn't painful...it has no fluid in it and looks whitish..I need HELP!

With respect to many good general MD's in the world. They do not know very much about oral cancers, and do not routinely screen for them. Most openly admit that they have never seen a patient with oral cancer. So here you are again asking the same people you asked the last time ( who I told you did not have answers for you at this time, perhaps they could help more IF and WHEN you are an unfortunate member of the cancer club) and you see a doctor who is not a specialist in this kind of problem. What about "see an ENT head and neck cancer specialist" which you have be told here over and over again do you not get? WE ARE NOT DIAGNOSTICIANS!!! WE ARE PATIENTS AND CANCER SURVIVORS NOT DOCTORS. I am sorry to be so blunt, and perhaps you think rude, but honestly I don't now what you expect from the people here when you ask the same questions we do not have the answers to over and over.

Trees - do some research -- find out who the top ENT in your area is, and get a referral. Good luck.

Ok I've seen a ent doctor twice as mentioned in previous post and he refused to do biopsy and he said he's seen tons of oc patients...so in the 9 doctor ent has been seen twice as well as oral surgeon... sorry if u missed that part of my post. But guess I will see him again???

Trese, I lurk on these boards because I have the same issues you do, to some extent, in the sense that I have risk factors (former dipper) and have seen things in my mouth. Granted, I look VERY closely, and very often. I went to three very good oral surgeons and two very well respected ENTs and the dentist, and all said that what I have is not cancer and they did not want to do a biopsy on what they feel is healthy tissue. I have had oral biopsies before that came back benign and I felt sure those were going to come back bad too.

I wish I could have a biopsy to put my mind at ease again, and sometimes a doctor will do that for you, but the one doctor told me that if they think there is any chance that something is cancer or precancer, they will not let you leave their office without biopsying it. Your health, their reputation, medical malpractice, etc., is on the line.

I have read on the board about people pushing for biopsies and then the oral surgeon finding cancer, but with the 6 specialists I have been to (the last two being both an oral surgeon and ENT head and neck surgeon from Penn who together have over 60 years experience working with many patients with oral cancer), I feel I have no choice but to trust them, keep an eye on my oral health and if I see changes, particularly in that one spot, go back.

You sound like you need to do the same.

[quote=Brian0703]Trese, I lurk on these boards because I have the same issues you do, to some extent, in the sense that I have risk factors (former dipper) and have seen things in my mouth. Granted, I look VERY closely, and very often. I went to three very good oral surgeons and two very well respected ENTs and the dentist, and all said that what I have is not cancer and they did not want to do a biopsy on what they feel is healthy tissue. I have had oral biopsies before that came back benign and I felt sure those were going to come back bad too.

I wish I could have a biopsy to put my mind at ease again, and sometimes a doctor will do that for you, but the one doctor told me that if they think there is any chance that something is cancer or precancer, they will not let you leave their office without biopsying it. Your health, their reputation, medical malpractice, etc., is on the line.

I have read on the board about people pushing for biopsies and then the oral surgeon finding cancer, but with the 6 specialists I have been to (the last two being both an oral surgeon and ENT from Penn who together have over 60 years experience working with many patients with oral cancer), I feel I have no choice but to trust them, keep an eye on my oral health and if I see changes, particularly in that one spot, go back.

You sound like you need to do the same. [/quote]

Trese, I can sense the frustation from your posts. You either trust and have faith in your doctors or you don't. If you don't maybe you could send Brian a "private message" and see one of his doctors since he is also in PA. My husband unfortunately has dealt with the dreaded cancer diagnosis. We are now dealing with post-treatment pain issues. Is the cancer back? Is this pain due to radiation? Is it his wisdom teeth acting up? For now all of his doctors have told us that they aren't sure where the pain is coming from but they say the cancer isn't back. For now he is on an antibiotic and we just take each day as it comes.

You are going to stroke out worrying about this. Maybe for the next two weeks you could just focus on something else. If it is cancer sooner or later your symptoms will get worse. I am only a caregiver and I know first hand the worry and anxiety that goes along with all of this.

For now thank God you are cancer free and give yourself a break.

are you a male or female? I have had issues with my tounge being white and went to Docs was told I had thrush, took the medicine and also have a burning sensation but not all the time. With women menapause can cause "burning mouth syndrome" or other names for burning mouth syndrome include scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia and stomatodynia. Also acid reflux can cause oral issues in the mouth. From the acid coming up while sleeping and sitting in the mouth. The pimple thing...no clue as Brian has stated we are not doctors, I am a caregiver but I watch my oral health care very carefully now that I am involved with Oral Cancer. Sometimes I freak out too, but my doctor said "make cancer the last thing you can think you have." But I'll tell ya that burning mouth hurts like hell! I can only imagine the pain Cancer survivors feel.

Hello Trese:
I sent you a PM earlier, but not sure it got to you because you weren't on the Forum at the time. What I suggested was going to a dermatologist for your lip pimple and let them check it out. Most would do a biopsy if it looks even close to suspicious. You could mention your other symptoms and they might refer you to a different doctor. It's a terrible feeling to be so worried and not be able to get a "definite" answer, but as others have posted, they have been through similar situations. I am going through something similar now, but not cancer associated, and I think I've been to the majority of ENTs and gastro doctors in my area, to no avail. Anyway, try the dermatologist, and let us know what happens.
julieann

Trese, if I see correctly, you are in the Allentown area? Where I went is probably 45 minutes to an hour from you. The one is Chief of Oral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania who spends some time in the office in Radnor. The other is a head and neck surgeon (ENT) there, who basically is in the next suite. They both spent a lot of time with me and answered my questions, but said they saw no reason to do a biopsy because they saw nothing troubling to them.

I am still nervous, because we sound alike, but I am just going to go back for checkups (dentist then three months later, oral surgeon, then three months later dentist, etc. so I am always seeing someone) unless I see an issue in the meantime that seems like a troubling change.

Trese, this will be my final post to you. I have sent you PMs with detailed info. I will repeat what I have already told you several times. Nobody on this forum can diagnose you over the internet. This forum is made up of members who are caregivers and patients. The ENT practice you have gone to is the top one in your area. They treat hundreds of oral cancer patients so they are VERY familiar with what IS oral cancer and what ISNT.

Ive noticed and discussed with you how your story has bits of info omited. There isnt a doctor that will ever be able to help you 100% if you only tell them 1/2 a story. When the ENT asked you to point out the spot you thought should be biopsied, you 'forgot' about this spot on your lip. If this was there when you went to the ENT, they would have seen it during the exam. Your first few posts dont even mention a spot on your lip.

I know you are worried. Its very scary to think you have cancer. Ive seen many people come to this forum who 'knew' they had oral cancer only to find out it was nothing serious. A white tongue is not a sign of oral cancer. You have already been treated twice for thrush. Is it possible that you didnt take the medication or follow the directions exactly? Sure, we are all human and can make mistakes. Its very possible that you did not respond to the medication and that it needed to be changed or taken for a longer amount of time.

I am very sorry you are going thru this. After going to so many professionals, when will you draw the line and trust what you are told? Sooner or later you have to accept the facts. Of course doctors can be wrong too but in this situation, I do not think you have been misdiagnosed. Of course this is my opinion and it is over the internet and on top of that I am NOT a medical professional. See where Im going with this? I would suggest if you still believe you have oral cancer to reach out one last time to an ENT. If they dont see a problem, point out what you think needs to be biopsied and take it from there. If the 10th doctor tells you nothing is wrong, then take it at that.

I have even given you my number to call me. That was over a week ago and still you have not called. I must put my attention on other issues on this forum. I need to help people who have oral cancer and are suffering from it and the horrible side effects. Be happy you do not fit into this category!!!! Oral cancer is a disease I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy.

I would like to suggest you turn your attention towards the positive things in your life and focus on that. When someone thinks too much about a problem a person's mind can play tricks on them and they concentrate only on the "what if's". This is not healthy or productive. Please help yourself and instead of 'knowing' you are sick, do something positive instead. Celebrate the fact that you do not have to suffer like an oral cancer patient does. Be glad that your body is not all pieced together and you have not had so many surgeries you have lost count. Be thankful in knowing you have you whole tongue and can eat anything you like anytime you like. Count your blessings in being able to not wake up in pain so bad that it takes you 10 minutes to get out of bed. Look in the mirror without cringing when seeing your reflection of the 'new normal' person you have become. Go out and enjoy the day without being stared at for looking different. Remember that you are very very fortunate not to have cancer and live your life to its fullest. You have 2 very big reasons to put this behind you and move on, your 3 year old twins.

Best wishes with everything!!!!