I have never been more scared in my life. I am 21 years old and fear that I could have oral cancer. These symptoms started a few days ago: soreness in my lower and upper gums(in the front) lining the teeth, a bit of numbness in the lips, and a tiny little spot on my tongue that you can't see.(but its a bit painful). The reason I feel like it could be something serious is because I've never had gum pain before really. My teeth are sore. Do you think this could be cancer? Or a type of gum disease? Or maybe just a sore mouth? Or maybe I'm overreacting? I bite the inside of my cheek sometimes as a nervous habbit also. I'm completely terrified. I have big plans for my life and now I feel like my whole world in just gone. I am heartbroken and can't stop crying.

Tera,

It's ok my dear, calm down. I will tell you right now you are overreacting. It could be a number of different things and not cancer, it doesn't sound like cancer at all really.

The first thing we need to do is be calm. We tell people that anything unusual going on in your mouth after 2 weeks you should schedule an appointment with an Ear Nose & throat Dr and have them check you out. To ease your mind, schedule an appointment with your Dentist and see what he thinks. Let's just take it one step at a time.

I'm a stage 4 (the worst) cancer survivor and I'll tell you that even if it is cancer (which it doesn't sound like to me) it doesn't mean it's the end of the world. Let's practice breathing and then follow the steps I laid out for you.

Breath

Eric

Thank you so much. I havnt mentioned it to any family and friends yet because I don't want to scare them. Under that mild pain spot on my tongue, it feels like a small ball-like inside. Only a few cm's. I don't know if that is supposed to be there or if it is normal or what. I don't know whats normal because I've never sat down and felt my tongue before. The ball thing doesn't hurt, just on that spot. Like when I eat acidic food, it burns and stings. What scares me the most is the numbness in my lips. It seems like right after I read about numbness as being a symptom, it happened. ...I am so grateful for your positive response and hopeful outlook. I already take meds for anxiety and depression so this has definitely torn me apart. the pain in my gums and teeth scare me also.

A couple of cm is ~ 3/4". That's more than the thickness of the tongue. Most OC's are asymptomatic so it's probably an infection of some sort. You definitely want to see an ENT, as Eric suggested, but it is unlikely that it's cancer. But whatever it is, it's abnormal.

I would stop reading this stuff until you have a diagnosis otherwise you will drive yourself crazy speculating what it is. I have to concur with Eric that it doesn't sound like cancer to me either.

Take a deep breath and enjoy your holidays. Let us know what the docs found out.

Yes sorry - Eric is right it usually it's good to wait it out a few weeks to see if it subsides,. So try not to freak as it could be many things ! The gum thing sounds unusual... But not really cancer related though those here who've had cancer on their gums may give you input. What triggered my response is your tongue comment about a ball or solid mass inside and a soreness (stinging and burning on the outside) that sounds far too familiar to me to just let it go. Though most BOT tumors are asymptomatic (no pain) most of these types of tumors are discovered when the cancer moves into the neck or there's difficulty swallowing - however oral tongue (your tongue is very long and resides in your mouth and throat - oral tongue - mouth - Base OF Tongue - often HPV+ related - is in your throat ) oral tongue depending on the person and location can be symptomatic. I had a mass IN my tongue - and a redness (no sore) under my tongue - it burned and stung when I ate - particularly acidic or spicy or hot foods. So this is why I piped up. It could be any number of things - not necessarily cancer - but I'm going to say err on the side of caution - make an ENT appointment. Make him or her FEEL the spot inside your tongue. Then see what he or she says. 2 things - do not let them blow you off because of your age. It is very very unusual - but NOT unheard of for someone your age to have oral cancer. And not everyone who is a OC patient is an old man with a history of heavy drinking and smoking... I'm a 40 yr old vegetarian, who does yoga, exercises, has NEVER smoked or drank for that matter. And There are a few of us here.
Okay so now that I have probably just made you panic, remember that it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that you have cancer. However do find a qualified ENT - someone with experience in OC to have a look at it. If it is OC - you've caught it early - please don't worry there are many survivors here who've been throughs it! And having it looked at will do one important thing... Ease your mind! also if it's not cancer (a more probable scenario) then they can likely tell you what's up. Also talk to a family member. There is no need to be scared or alone. take care.

Tera - I concur with the wiser folks who've posted above me. Don't be alarmed by all the fancy words! It's natural to be worried about your health but from everything I've read I have to agree with Cheryl, Gary and Eric. They are three of the sharpest minds and most experienced posters here.

Enjoy the holidays, have the thing checked out for sure - that's a prudent step any of us would recommend, take those deep breaths and don't worry!

I think I estimated the size of the ball-like thing inside my tongue wrong. Its smaller than a pea. I don't know how big that is, but its not thicker than my tongue. I talked to some family about it and they laughed, thinking that I am overreacting because I'm so young. They did make me feel better but I am still going to get it checked out by a dentist. I am still scared but hopeful. I don't think I ever knew fear until the thought of this came into my reality. I admire every single person on these forums and you are all my hero's. I mean that. Its amazing to have somewhere to turn when your so afraid and clueless. EricS, you literally stopped my tears as I read your reply so THANK YOU. And everyone else's hope filled words made me feel so much better and a lot more informed. You are all in my hearts and I know that we will all stick together forever (cancer-free or not). Such kind hearted people... I love you all so much and will let you know what my DR says. Thanks again
- Tera.
Facebook URL:
http://m.facebook.com/profile.php?__user=100001867064265

Tera,

You are most welcome, it was my pleasure. Cancer is a very scary thing and "sometimes" all of the information available on the internet is a bad thing as it can make our minds start racing. Now let's follow through on the advice and schedule an appointment with your Dentist first and find out what's going on with your teeth/gums and get your general oral health addressed.

Enjoy the holiday season and I'm glad I could help.

Be well, live life

Eric

A pea is about 5mm. A cm is approximately .4".

I had a fistula draining from the cracked root of a tooth (the root had a root canal done many years prior. They pulled the tooth, fistula healed up end of story. It did freak me out for a while though. No pain though - just creepy looking ;-)

Hi there - so glad you've relaxed -- Im also glad you over estimated the size - please do have it looked at though and make sure whoever it is FEELS the lump. Dentists - if the know what they are doing should know what oral cancer looks like however I would still have and ENT look at it. If its not visible just palpable someone could just take a cursory look and say your fine, everyone's mouth is different but as far as I know a lump isn't necessarily normal - even if it's only 5mm it should be looked at by a qualified professional.
.good luck!