Hello everyone,

I have a few concerning things going on and wondered if anyone could relate. I noticed that behind my tonsils on both sides are white patches and there seems to be a little growth coming out of one side, within the patch. I am sure they were not there 6 months prior due to examining my throat for tonsil stones. There is also a small white patch on the surface of my tongue that does not rub off. I have read this can be precancerous but wondered if any of you had similar symptoms and if indeed it was serious?

I have been quite a regular drinker the last five years. I wouldn't have guessed excessive but my idea of a drink is less than what is considered normal. My throat is just slightly irritated. I have been to the doctor and they have given me two antibiotics without help. They have given me a referral to an ENT but it's not an oral cancer specialist.

Any experience that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Tammy

Welcome to OCF, Tammy! Any sore that is in the mouth that does not heal on its own within 2-3 weeks should be checked by a specialist. You will want to find an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer patients. You do NOT want to go to one who mostly puts tubes in kids ears. If your referral is to someone who is not qualified then its just wasting your time and money. I suggest calling your insurance company or hospitals in your area and looking for an ENT who treats oral cancer patients then calling your physician who gave you the referral and asking for another one to the ENT you found.

During this time I suggest avoiding drinking and anything that can irritate your mouth. If you smoke (even e-cigs) please avoid it like the plague! Also do not use any mouthwash that contains alcohol. By eliminating irritants you are giving your mouth a chance to heal on its own. It could be all kinds of things besides cancer or a pre-cancerous sore. There are many things that are not serious and easily fixed that can look like its something serious but really isnt. Hopefully what you have is one of the non-serious patches.

Best wishes!!!


PS...Do yourself a favor and avoid Dr Google. It will only bring you unneeded stress when it brings up major illnesses. Anything that causes more worrying should be avoided. Worrying has never changed a test result or helped anyone with anything positive. Keep yourself busy to keep your mind away from the "what if's". Its likely going to be a few weeks before you can get into the ENT and if you need a biopsy the results will be at least another week. Waiting stinks!!!

Thank you for replying I appreciate that. One thing I am curious about is it common to be on both sides of throat? I know anything can be but had not seen this answered before.

Thanks again!

Tammy: Read what Mayo has to say about what you may have;
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukoplakia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354405

If this is what you have, it is my understanding (non-professional) that it converts to cancer in something like 10% of the cases. Have your dentist keep an eye on it for any change. If you are worried, your ENT can locate somebody who specializes in leukoplakia. Smoking in youth and present alcohol use have been identified as factors that increase risk. As to your question, I have no thoughts either way about one side or both.

Tammy, Im sorry but I do not have any info about one side vs two. You should ask your doc when you see them. Please understand, our site is made up of oral cancer patients/survivors and caregivers. We do not have backgrounds that include medical training, years of education, patient clinical experience.