Hello to everyone here on the board, obviously I'm new here. I joined because I'm pretty scared at the moment and thought maybe if I came here I would feel less so.

Anyway, I don't have a cancer diagnosis. However I was told a few years ago that I had a very high risk to get oral cancer. As I'm a smoker, my teeth often irritate my mouth, and frankly I have horrible oral hygiene due to years of drug use and frankly not caring. I'm clean and sober now though. Though the damage has been done and I don't have the funds to have my oral issues fixed, though a friend did start a fundraiser type thing for me online.

The reason I'm scared is because of what the previous dentist told me and the new developments in my mouth.

[list]
[*]Lately I've been getting a lot of "canker sores" they pop up overnight almost, one day I'll have none, then I wake up and I have about 5.
[*] I have some strange bumps under my tongue but they don't hurt. They are a bright red, right next to each other and small but I don't notice them, I never would have known they were there if I hadn't been pulling faces at myself in the mirror.
[*] I have two bumps on the roof of my mouth, one of which is very slowly getting bigger. They are a whitish color and according to relatives look very much the like smaller oral tumors they've seen online (because it's from relatives I'm not holding too much water with that bucket).
[*]I also have a difficult time swallowing, occasionally it's painful but many times it's as if I didn't swallow completely. I don't know if that makes sense but I can't think of any other way to put it.


I have an appointment to get my mouth looked at on Wednesday.

So hopefully in my stay here I can get some more information and what I may or may not have, and maybe help some people along the way? Please tell me if I'm ever overstepping my boundaries.

Welcome to OCF! If you have sores in your mouth that do not heal within 2 weeks then its time to get them checked by a professional. I would suggest seeing an ENT who is familiar with treating oral cancer patients. You will need a biopsy to determine weather its cancer or not.

Its really not possible to diagnose anyone over the internet. We may be able to give you some ideas and things to help. I would suggest if you are still smoking to quit right now. Why tempt fate? Im a former smoker and know its not easy to quit but you can if you make up your mind to do it.

Good luck with your appointment!

I agree with Christine; stop smoking asap. It's great that you are getting in to see someone soon. Please let us know how you do.
No, you are NOT overstepping. This is why we are here. We have all been in the same boat. This is a wonderful support group and I'm glad you were confident enough to introduce yourself to us. We are family...welcome to the gang!!
Kathy

Hi welcome, definately get it checked, Christine is right 2 weeks, if it's not gone go see a good ENT. Someone who is experienced with OC. Good luck.

Hi! I am so glad you came here to ask questions. You are certainly not overstepping your bounds asking questions.

Yes- please get thoroughly check out as soon as you possibly can.

Congratulations on getting clean and sober and sticking with it!!!

Praying that this is nothing but definitely go get checked out so you can get your oral issues resolved and feel better!

XO

KATE