I have had what my dentist classified as a mechanical ulcer for 2+months. He recently filed down my lower teeth and the ulcer improved dramatically. Do the lesions associated with oral cancer ever go away temporarily? Now there is just a small ulcer and where the larger one was is tender and somewhat numb. Should I have this biopsied?

I really appreciate your help. I am terrified at the thought of it being cancer.

Stats - 40 yr / female / moderate alchohal consumption / social smoker in college quit 20 years ago.

Thanks...

Connie,

Welcome to this site. I hope you don't end up needing all the information here, but if you do, you'll find a lot of help and support.

Generally, oral cancers get bigger, not smaller, so it may be that by filing down your teeth your dentist has dealt with the problem. That being said, if the remaining small ulcer persists without showing any signs of going away, I would urge you to get a biopsy. Many types of mouth irritations can come and go within a period of 2-3 weeks, but if they linger on beyond that, it's best to have them examined.

I hope it turns out to be nothing, but you're doing the right thing by paying attention and not ignoring it.

Cathy

cathy,

Thank you so much for the reply. This has really worried me - since the ulcer had been there so long I have been extremely anxious about it. My dentist feels certain that it is not cancer. He felt that a biopsy was not needed and the way he described it made it sound painful. He does not use the brush biopsy but prefers excision. I really appreicate the input from those that are so knowledgable about this and am so sorry that you have had to experience oral cancer.

How long should I give the ulcer to completely heal? If there is a remaining red area (probably due to healing) how long should that be "watched"?

Thanks again,
Connie

Hello Connie.

Welcome to the website nobody wants to join!!!
How can your dentist be SURE it's not cancer without a biospy. The path report tells all.
I would ask for the biospy if it's not healed in two weeks. This diaease has been missed by many dentists and doctors. Better to error on the safe side than wait and find out later it's cancer.
One of the main goals of this website is for
EARLY DETECTION to improve survival stat's.

Hope it's nothing but an ulcer, Best Wishes,

Danny Boy

Connie,
I totally agree with Dan, DO NOT rely on your dentist for an accurate Dx, especially without a biopsy. It sounds promising that it's clearing up but if it is cancer it WILL NOT get better, only worse and more advanced. You may have an ulcer AND cancer. Sleep better at night with a "negative" biopsy - it's the gold standard. Get a referal to an ENT or head & neck surgeon. Cancer and excision biopies are out of a dentist or even GP league. It is the realm of a head and neck specialist. Biopsies are typically not very painful. If it has been 2 weeks, and the ulcer is still there, then it is time for the referal.

For those of you who are medical term impaired or confused:

A "positive" result in a biopsy means that you have tested positive for whatever they were testing for, e.g. cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, etc.

Conversely a "negative" result means that you don't have what they were testing for.

Hi Connie,
ANYTHING suspicious in your oral cavity should be biopsied after two weeks,not months, please persuade your GP or dentist to give you a referral to an ENT.Listen to the gang here.
Biopsies are not that painful, but I do suggest bringing someone with you for moral or driving support just so you are better prepared...depending on the size, location and tenderness of your ulcer.
Mine was treated for a year as an aggravated ulcer "caused by a dental post" by MD's but when I returned to my dentist he suggested a biopsy right away thankfully.
You are in the right place and taking the right path.
Best wishes,
Maria

Connie, I have to agree with the majority here. A biopsy is nothing compared to what may happen if it is cancer and it is left alone. So get a referal to an ENT and have a biopsy performed. The peace of mind will be worth the little bit of discomfort you might feel due to the biopsy sample. The biopsy is no big deal at all. Will pray it is only an ulcer.

Connie, please, please have it biopsied, the sooner the better, if for nothing else, your peace of mind. My dentist told me that mine was not cancer and it totally was and precious time was wasted. God Bless, praying for good results! Carol

Ditto Carol's experience. Dentist said don't worry so I didn't until about 6 months later when the red spot way in the back of my mouth was a Stage IV tumor. You need an ENT Connie. Carol and I represent the Voice of Experience!