Hi everyone...

I am going to the doctor on Monday, Sept. 29...

For the past three months, I have had on-and-off pain in my left ear. Part of my lower tonsil on that side of my mouth seems hardened.

I am a non-smoker, non-drinker, but I have performed oral sex in the past and have heard about HPV-related oral cancer.

I work but I don't have health insurance, so I receive care through the county of Los Angeles health system.

Last time I went to the doctor (Aug. 26), I complained of my symptoms and he simply stuck a toungue-depresser in my mouth and looked in with his flashlight and said "I don't see any lesions".

Should I be more insistent on him peforming a better exam, or, should I try to find a dentist?

When it comes to the tonsils, my reccomendation is that you see an ENT. As a practicing dentist, I can tell you that it is sometimes very difficult to get a really good look at some people's tonsils.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm if the tonsils are cancerous.

Jerry

Thanks! :-)

I called the county health dept. and the woman told me that there's an ENT doctor in my area. My appointment had to be changed to Oct. 16 because I requested a new primary doctor...

Lets hope you get a "cancer qualified" ENT (my words, not professional words). I recently helped one of my employees get an Out of Network Referral under a County medical program so that she could be seen by a specialist that was well versed in her cancer and he actually ended up treating her throughout her surgery. At this point only concern yourself with determining what your problem is and remember only a biopsy will confirm whether it's cancer. If the ENT that you go to doesn't satisfy your concerns ask for a Out of Network Referral from the County.