Hello all,
From what I have read this is a very supportive group. I think it is great that everyone takes so much time in sharing their experiences - good and bad.

I am a 30 year old male with no history of smoking or heavy drinking. I recently saw a dentist for the left side of my tongue...it was bothering me (felt like I ate to much pineapple). Not extremely painful but definitely irritated. Upon taking a look he suggested that I see an oral surgeon to biopsy the irritated area to rule out cancet. About 3-4 weeks ago I went to the oral surgeon who saw a tiny (pin head size) white ulcer on the left side of my tongue. Based on its presentation he did not suspect anything but felt it would be best to biopsy to rule out anything serious.

Two weeks ago the biopsy relsults came back ok with "normal papilae sp??) - I felt relieved. Since that time I have gone back to the oral surgeon for a check up with a similar complaint...irritation/pain on the left side of the tongue. The oral surgeon took a look and said that the ulcer had returned/slightly diff. place?? -again small pin head size white sore.

At this point I am very nervous -even though he biopsy was normal. Why would the sore return and why won't it heal? Has anyone heard of this type of thing? Should I push for a second biopsy? The oral surgeon has me scheduled to come back in a couple weeks and said that he would use the laser on it if it had not gone away by then. I am very scared. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
J

J,
at this point in time I would ask for a referal to either an ENT or a head & neck surgeon. This not to scare you worse but to have a real expert rule it out.

There are many things it could be besides cancer but I would see a specialist for your peace of mind.

Thanks for responding Gary. I have made an appt. to see an ENT tomorrow for a second opinion. I should trust the results of the oral surgeon but am concerned as the small sore has not healed. Not sure what else it could be. If it is cancer, I am trying to catch this early.
J

J, Good decision to get another opinion. There are several possible explanations for your condition. If it IS cancer, finding the thing early is really, really smart. Keep in mind that tissue biopsy is the only way to know if a thing is cancer. Question your ENT about oral cancers and see if that doc seems to know his/her stuff. Oral cancers are not common, and are often missed and occasionally mis-diagnosed. Let them continue carving on that spot. Then you will know for sure. Best of luck to you. Be strong. Tom

Quick question. I am set to go to the ENT tomorrow, again as things are not improving. I see the small spot (painful to the touch) looks very much like a very small canker sore on the tongue. Could an initial biopsy miss this? Has anyone had such an experience like that? I am certainly in the nervous stage and am trying to get answers to this annoying irritation on my tongue. Thank you in advance.

Dear J1. Not to scare you, but my husband lived with what he "self diagnosed" as a canker sore under his tongue for about 9 mo. before he had it looked at. It was SCC. You are very smart to keep after this with the most knowledgable Docs available to you. Amy

Canker sores, which are a virus ( herpes simplex one when in the mouth) resolve on their own with or without treatment in 10-14 days. This is the first thing to mention to the doctor, as if he is paying attention, this is immediately going to remove HS1 as part of his differential diagnosis. If a biopsy is taken anywhere in an ulcerated lesion it is going to hit target cells, This is very different than a fine needle biopsy which may or may not hit malignant cells in a node for instance.

Thank you very much for the responses. I did see the ENT today. He says what looks like a canker sore is actually skin healing from the biopsy that was taken. He believes the irritation I am feeling is from the biopsy cutting part of a nerve and that it should resolve in some time. He says it all looks good and there is no sore there at this time. I will keep an eye on the spot for sure.

At the very least, I have learned quite a bit about this disease and how to spot/catch it early. Thank you for everyone's kindness and support. I will certainly do my part to share what I have learned here. I will update if anything comes of this.

Congratulations, J1.

Always good to hear great news.

Let us know when the area is completely healed. Not a great way to get an education about cancer but, having another advocate for early detection is a wondeful thing. Please spread the word.

Jerry

Just be sure that complete healing takes place. If a month from now this has not resolved COMPLETELY, it needs to be reevaluated, even possibly re-biopsied. Even pathologists make mistakes. A non healing area is a sign that "we aren