I saw the ENT today for the first time for a lesion on my tongue that I've had for a few months. This lesion was punch biopsied on Apr.21 by my dermatologist. The path report said moderate dysplasia so dermatologist said I must see an ENT and have this removed. The lesion was very white and half inch long with a lump under it. The lump seems to be kind of spread out too. In just 4 weeks this white has turned red. I have a small white patch on the other side of my tongue that looks exactly like the way the other side started out. I have developed thrush also. The ENT I saw today was totally rude and abrupt, he did not give me any oportunity to ask a question. He wants to take the "watch and wait" approach and wants me to come back in 2 months. He doesn't want to cut right now but he might in the future. I'm not feeling really good about this situation. I thought that an excisional biopsy was kind of standard? My dentist wanted me to go to Ohio State when he saw me the first of May. Since I didn't have a way to get there I just found an ENT here in town. There are very few here. I told this guy that I have a huge family history of cancer...Mother,father,brother,sister,7Aunts and uncles. He said that he has a history too and that was that. I'm not one to panic or over react but I want to do the right thing. I would appreciate all advice given. Actually I feel like giving up on the medical profession altogether since they are such jerks. Thanks I hope I made my story clear enough. Jackie

Jackie:

Might want to see another ENT who is more compassionate. Do you trust this doctor and maybe just not like the tone and manner? A second opinion is always a good idea. I dont think oral cancer is hereditary. Most people do have some family memebrs who have had cancer before.

Remember not all doctors are perfect or people we get along with. Ive had doctors that I didnt like but turned out to be the best around and they have made a huge impact on my life. I have them to thank for still being here. Even though you have not had a good experience, please dont call names and lump together all the people in that profession into a negative catagory.

Best of luck to you.

The usual standard is if no change in two *weeks*, not months, get it biopsied. Were I in your shoes, knowing what I know, I'd find another ENT and get a biopsy -- It's the only way to know for sure.

Your dentist gave you good advice and if I were you, I would get to a Comprehensive Cancer Center no matter how difficult it is to get there. A wait and see approach for anything that has been around for more than 2 weeks is the wrong approach. You appear to be with the wrong doctor for two reasons. The above is on and his attitude and bedside manner stink.

However, Christine is right. It is unfair of you to lump all doctors together because a few uncaring doctors. There are many good docs out there and you will find them. But, you have to make the move.

Jerry

You guys are right, I shouldn't lump all dr's as bad. It's just that I'm feeling really let down and confused. I made an appt. with another ENT here for Thurs. I'll work on trying to find a way to get to Ohio State also. I don't expect a dr. to hold my hand or pat me on the head but I DO expect them to answer at least a couple of questions and to be respectful.

Jackie,

I saw 5 doctors in less than 2 months until I decided who was going to treat me. This is your mouth and your life so keep on searching until YOU are comfortable with what you are hearing. Listen to what each one says and you will become more knowledgeable in the process. If possible get to a CCC and perhaps you can eliminate a few docs along the way.

I saw another ENT yesterday for my tongue, it's totally white and I still have the lesion on the left and another small one coming on the right. He said that I didn't have thrush but I have leukoplakia. He told me it's nothing to worry about, no biopsy needed and to come back in 6 mos. So in 4 weeks I've seen 3 dr's and 2 dentists and I've gotten a different story from each of them. I called my family dr. last eve and told him that we needed to talk and that I need some serious advice now. I don't think that I'm too excited to just wait. Everything that I've read has said that if you have moderate/severe dysplasia that it's to be treated as a pre-malignancy. Any more advice would be appreciated.

Don't blame you for feeling frustrated. If there is one common theme on this board it is that we all had difficulty getting diagnosed. You are absolutely right to keep on until you are sure. I had a punch biopsy on June 25th - clear - then they did an excisional biopsy Sept 13th and the biopsy showed the cancer.

I would recommend that you get another biopsy - but just my thoughts.

Donna

Hi Jackie,

I can TOTALLY relate to what you are dealing with. My situation is a little bit differnet. I have had 4 surgeries. My doctor also wants to "Watch and wait" and I also have a hard time with that. I have seen 3 different doctors and they all said that so that's what I'm doing.

I would suggest to keep plugging away until you find a doctor you like and stick with them. They will watch your tongue and if it's the same person then they will have something to compare it to.

Just to clarify, you had a biopsy and they said moderate dysplasia, but then another doctor what is there now if leukoplakia?

I'm thinking that I should have another biopsy. I know that would give me some relief at least. I'm making a list of questions for my dr. and I'm printing off a bunch of information for him also. If he won't listen I will go elsewhere until I feel comfortable. Thank you all for your input.

[quote]Just to clarify, you had a biopsy and they said moderate dysplasia, but then another doctor what is there now if leukoplakia?[/quote]

Quick clarification for Suzanne: Leukoplakia basically means a white patch. It is the cells of the leukoplakia that show moderate dysplasia (meaning an abnormal change, but not necessarily cancer).

Jackie -- as you can see from my signature, it's good to get these checked and rigorously followed.