Hi everyone,

Very happy to have found this forum, it seems like I can finally reach out to someone, somewhere in the world and ask some questions that concern me.

In June, while visiting the dentist, he remarked that there is visible growth at the back of my throat, something I didn't think much of until he mentioned it. He immediately said it was likely HPV and that I should see an oral pathologist.

Upon hours of research, trying to match google photos with that in my mouth, I was convinced he was right. Its only a single wart looking "papilloma" on the right tonsil and can be seen in a mirror. I believe I recently found another on the bottom left of my tongue.

I've never performed oral sex, so the location of it all has caught me by surprise.

I went to a walk-in clinic recently and got referred to a doc with the hopes of a biopsy or some testing.
All the doctor said was he could visually confirm it was papilloma and due to the location of the wart, that removal is very difficult, and not something he can perform. He didn't recommend anyone else, but basically tried to convince me its fine, and not to worry about it. Its benign he said. So I felt somewhat re-assured and left.

Well, weeks later, I'm starting to feel pain when I swallow on the right side of my throat. Its a minor pain, maybe 3/10 but has persisted for almost a week now.
Fearing the worst, I went to another walk in clinic (I don't have a family doctor, but working on that now) and got another referral to see an ENT, which I asked for specifically.
I am currently waiting to hear back with a doctor appointment.

Upon my own recent visual examination, there is some substantial redness in the back of the throat, and no visible swelling I could say of the tonsils or anything else.

What could be causing the pain when I swallow? For the record, the pain is on the same side as the HPV wart.
Should I be overly concerned? I feel like I've done everything I can at this point, but would love any feedback at all to put my mind more at ease.
Its incredibly stressful to think I have cancer, so any re-assurance would really help.

Side facts: male/32 years old/has been 1.5 years that I stopped training at the gym 5 days a week, cold turkey, diet isn't terrible but not the best, not overweight, 195lbs and 6'2. Casual cigarette smoker, but have stopped with all this worry, and plan to continue that streak.

Thank you for your time to read my concern.

Welcome to OCF! I am hoping you do not have a need for our services but if you would have oral cancer then we are the best people to help get you thru whatever you are facing.

At this point, you should be seeing an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer (OC). There are different types of ENTs. You do NOT want to see the type who primarily puts tubes in young childrens ears. Whenever you get the call back, ask if the doc treats OC patients and how many go thru their office in any given week or month. You want someone that has lots of experience. You may be able to find someone in your area thru our free OC screening page.

Its likely to take several weeks before you find out what is going on in the back of your mouth. Without a biopsy and special testing its not possible to know what it is or if it is HPV+. Sure the doc can tell you what they "think" it could be but its only an educated guess. Only by taking a small sample and examining it thru a microscope will a pathologist tell you what it is. They may or may not also check for HPV. To be honest, a tumor for an OC patient that is HPV+ is a very good thing. That means your chances of getting thru this easily and with a less chance of recurrence are greater. Regardless of what caused you to have the "spot", treatments are pretty much the same with surgery and/or radiation with or without chemo are what eliminates OC tumors. But thats getting wayyyy ahead of myself with discussing treatments before you know what your spot is. One more thing about HPV... there is still so much that is not known about HPV and research is ongoing to learn more (OCF supports HPV research and has from the very beginning of discovering that disease). While HPV is considered an STD, it can lay dormant in the body for years before turning into one of the very few strains out of hundreds of strains that could cause cancer. Out of several hundred kinds of HPV, only 2 have the capability of changing into cancer, most people clear HPV from their bodies before it does any damage. Most people dont even know they have it or where they got it from so dont think too much into possibly being HPV+.

Since you are likely looking at a 3 office visit and waiting probably a good 3+ weeks for the first appointment and at least a week between appointments prepare yourself to wait patiently. Our saying is "its only a spot until the biopsy says its not" will hopefully help keep you from panicking too much. Keeping yourself extra busy with things that need alot of close attention also helps pass the time in a positive way. Start a hobby, read books or anything else you enjoy to help you stay super busy so your mind doesnt "go there". Just remember, worrying has never changed a test result or done anything else that is positive. Do your very best to avoid it as much as possible. Oh yeah, one more thing... (we all are do this one too) checking your mouth in the mirror several times a day doesnt help you to be positive either. Also Dr Google can send your anxiety thru the roof so you may want to avoid that as well.

Hopefully your biopsy turns out to be nothing serious. We're here to lean on if it would be cancer, then we'll help you get thru it. Best wishes with everything!!!


PS... Im very glad to see you are not using tobacco at this time. There are so many known cancer causing things added to tobacco that its very possible something in there has caused your "spot". Please let this be your wake up call to never return to using tobacco in any form, even e-cigs. Most people dont know that e-cgis that have claimed they do not have any added nicotine or addictive ingredients when tested actually do have those things added no matter what the package says.

Chrisc3

Glad to read that you have stopped smoking. Even casual smoking can cause damage if exposed to it for an extended period.

Ok - I see that you aren't certain how to approach what may be, or may become a problem. You've done enough poking around to find this web site. (Welcome !!) and you've gone to two different walk-in clinics.... If you're truly concerned, you need to find the nearest hospital with a competent ENT department that has a proven record in diagnosing and treating oral cancer. (You will not find that level of care at the local hospital or walk in clinic.) Only after seeing those ENT's will you be able to know for sure what you're dealing with.

Ask questions of the ENT specialists. Understand that if it is cancer, you will be presented with treatment options. THEN get a second opinion..... In the meantime, read about oral cancers from reputable websites. Understand the basic functions of the various organs in the are that you have described. Review your health insurance. Make sure that the doctors you're seeing will be covered if they are considered out of network.

You may have some time before you have your appointment. Use it wisely.

Good Luck

Hi Chris,

I see that you're from British Columbia. I am Canadian too but I'm in Ontario.

I'm glad that you have a referral to see an ENT, most doctors at walk-in clinics are GP's and may not have the level of expertise you need now to set your mind at ease. We are just a group of patients and caregivers and do not have the medical knowledge to tell you if you should be worried. But if I were you, I would persist with getting a medical opinion.

Like the two previous posters, I agree that giving up tobacco is a positive first step. Irrespective of whether you are going to get a cancer diagnosis or not, tobacco use is truly bad for you in the long run.

While you are waiting to see the ENT, you may want to limit your research to creditable sites. Here at the OCF main site, the information has been vetted by medical professionals to ensure that it is accurate. This is really important. You might want to go through the information to familiarize yourself with oral cancer and the treatments so that when you do get to see a doctor, you will be able to ask informed questions and have meaningful discussions with them. Wishing you all the best!