I have an issue, a white patch on the left upper rear of my mouth, concentrated headache/numb patches on the left side of my face, and I've been using chewing tobacco for about 4 years (mainly chewed on the lower right corner of the mouth). I just quit a month ago but I'm noticing these issues pop up and it's beginning to scare me a bit.
It's the weekend here, my doctor is out. I haven't seen the dentist in years due to how hard the economy has hit me (like a ton of bricks)/lack of insurance.
I should get checked out soon I know... I'm hoping tomorrow I can get in. Where should I go first? Doctor, or dentist? This is out of pocket for me so I want to try and figure out where I can get answers ASAP without blowing a college loan payment/my savings account away.
An ENT - qualified and very familiar with oral cancer. It could be nothing but it wouldn't hurt to make sure.
Great on stopping the tobacco! Let us know how things go & good luck
Thanks Cheryl, the doctor I usually use specializes in "internal medicine"... do you think I should seek out another one that does ENT or maybe save that for a second opinion if I am not happy with my regular doctors answer?
You should find a qualified ENT who specializes in oral cancer patients. Any sore you have in your mouth for over 2 weeks should be checked by a professional. Glad to see you have quit using tobacco, it could have caused your mouth problem.
An Internal medicine doctor will not be able to help you with a possible oral cancer issue.
I know you should seek out a specialist for your situation, an ENT. I would try to go to one who sees lots of cancer patients. Hopefully you don't have it, but that sort of individual will be best.
Best,
Anne
ENT appointment made for tomorrow. I'll keep you guys updated.
That's good. Fingers crossed for you.
Great job at getting an appointment so fast. Make sure the ENT is familiar with treating oral cancer patients. I hope you have nothing serious wrong. Be safe and get a thorough exam. Good luck!
ENT said all was good from the mouth to the vocal cords. The white patch was the saliva gland releasing a whitish saliva, probably mucus filled as it is allergy season around here and he did notice some mucus in the nose. The headaches also started going away after we got some rain here... makes me wonder if it took the Excedrin that long to kick in or if the almond trees that are in bloom really put that much cr*p in the air. He said to come back if the headaches start up again and he'll order a CT.
Thank you all, and thank you Christine for that last post. I made sure to press him just to make sure he was competent in the areas I had concerns in.
It always makes my day when someone comes back and lets us know they dont need to be here. Congrats Mr Scotty!!! Be well
Glad to hear it. I'll bet the almond trees will make you smile know if even if they make you sniffle!