Hi all

I came across this forum and it looked really helpful so I thought I would join and ask for some help.

Basically, I have had this spot like ulcer at the back of my mouth that seems to completely go away and then return a week later in exactly the same place.

This has been going on for around 6 weeks. I went to my GP but when I visited him it was at the stage where the spot was not there and therefore it was a bit of a waste of time as he could not see anything. The spot only appears for around 24 hours and then completely goes away without even leaving a mark.

I think I have noticed that it appears after I eat rich meals and drink alcohol but I cannot be 100% sure.

It's probably also worth noting that the spot can be scrapped of with my fingernail (apologies for the graphic detail). Also, it seems to come back in slightly varying sizes. One time it came back very faintly as though the spot was going to come back but it did not.

I am really worried it is something sinister. Although, I am hoping the fact that it totally goes away without a trace for long periods is a good sign as opposed to being ever present.

Has anyone heard of any similar cases, and what it might be?

Thank you so much for any help in advance.

Could be candidal leukoplakia (chronic hyper-plastic candidosis) Or another candidal variant, leukoplakia. CHC, if left untreated, it can turn to carcinoma in a small minority. See an ENT for proper diagnosis, one prefably one who has cancer experience. You may need fluconozole, if so, an anti-fungal. Candidiases thrives on sugar, alcohol, yeast, , processed foods, so avoiding them may help. Alternately, if could be a combination of a bacterial, fungal or viral infection too, and may want to do a culture, and other exams, proper meds to treat each. If you smoke, chew tobacco, that should be stopped, and by doing that reduces the leukoplakia, risk of cancer. Good luck

http://cro.sagepub.com/content/14/4/253.full

Thank you very much for the reply. I will book another appointment soon and mention these possibilities.

I did have a look at images of the condition you have mentioned and it does not resemble what I have. My spot is a single small white mark, perfectly round and the size of a regular spot you get on your face. It's only there for 12-18 hours and then completely disappears for 10 days or so.

The issue I have is that the chances are that when I visit the specialist there will be absolutely no mark there at all...

I might try using salt water a few times a day until I can get any medication perscribed.

Thanks again

There are hundreds of other oral conditions that can be the cause. I think with CHC, the ulcer does not go away or can ge rubbed off, but there are many types if cadidiasis too. It's best to see the doctor with anything not going away in three weeks, to be diagnosed properly, and receive proper meds, if needed since one does not work on all. If it's an event type ulceration from food, drink, it can be from spices, sharp edged, cruncy foods, and irritant like alcohol. Salted warm water with baking soda, is always a good standby. if it burns, just use baking soda. I hope this helps.

Maybe take a picture if you can, before it disappears, to show the doctor.

Thanks for the great advice.

I never thought about taking a picture. Won't be nice for the doctor to see but needs must.

There is a group of pictures on this site, somewhere, with different oral conditions, if that helps.

A cancerous tumor normally will not disappear and then return again after a few days. It would stay in the same place slowly growing.

Here is the photo gallery, Paul mentioned. It is a very good guide to help people understand how OC cant be diagnosed by sight. I think most people will be surprised by some of the photos that look like its no big deal and it is cancerous. Click on each photo then click on the word diagnosis to find out exactly what the person really had.

Photo Gallery

I have the exact same problem as the first poster. I have been to the doctors and they don't seem concerned. However, I did a quick google search and came across this site.

Does anyone have any other ideas about this problem?

Cheers

Pete

My advice - whatever you are doing to cause it (diet - alcohol?) figure it out and stop it. I'm a believer that long term chronic irritation can cause tissue change and lead to cancer. Hugs

Thanks Cheryl - when you say irritation, do you include itching in that? Prior to this spot problem, I've had itching on the roof of my mouth on and off for at least 2 years now.

itching on the top roof of your mouth is usually caused by allergies.

Yes itching and pain. But not all cancer is painful. On the tongue it tends to be -elsewhere not always. Hugs

Leukoplakia cannot be scrapped off with a fingernail, the only thing that really fits that description is Candida albicans fungal infections. They can be taken care of with a 7 day dose of Diflucan taken orally as a pill.

Itching on the roof of your mouth (a rare location for oral cancers though they do happen) is not a sign of any oral cancer I have ever seen published in any cancer journal nor heard about at any cancer conference.

Just an update for those who might come across this thread after a Google search as I did - I saw an oral surgeon here in England and have been diagnosed with a blocked gland in my mouth. It requires a simple (so I'm told!) operation under general anaesthetic to remove it which I am now waiting on a date for.

Best wishes to all.

that's great!!!! hope everything goes well and recovery is easy!!