Hi everyone! This site seems like an amazing resource.

I'm getting a biopsy on my palate in a couple of days. I have a dark painless spot where the hard palate meets the soft palate. I noticed it about a month ago, but chances are I've had it for longer. My dentist originally thought it was a petechia, but when it didn't heal he referred me to an oral surgeon.

I've also had a mild sore throat off and on for a few months now. I never made a connection between this and the spot on my palate until recently -- I'm hoping it's just a coincidence.

Anyway, I've been researching the possibilities as to what this "pigmented lesion" might be, and frankly I'm more than a little confused (not to mention anxious!). Neither the original oral surgeon I saw or the one I later switched to (the first couldn't do the biopsy for over a month) have been very helpful or forthcoming about what this might be, despite all my questions. I am hoping it is just a mole, but they didn't seem to agree on even basic things: one described it as red and wanted to do an excisional biopsy; the other said it was brown (less than a week later!) and wants to do an incisional biopsy.

I am getting the incisional biopsy in a few days, but I am still not sure if it's the right thing to do. If it's malignant, it could seed the tumor, and if it's benign, my understanding is that the entire thing would still need to be removed eventually. I'd rather cut the whole thing out, but he says there would be too much bleeding.

I realize no one here can tell me what the spot on my palate is, but if you could share your thoughts about the different kinds of biopsies (their effectiveness and how long they take to heal), as well as any other thoughts about my situation, I'd be really grateful. I'm wondering if maybe I should see an ENT specialist, or maybe I should just wait until after the biopsy before moving to someone perhaps more equipped to deal with these issues.

Thanks in advance!

Miss Maybe

Dear MM,

I hope that your spots are what my dermatologist long ago termed a skin spot: an FLS......."a funny-looking spot." I have had surgery for SCC of the hard palate and adjacent maxilla, so if it turns out to require surgery, you can ask me some questions. My surgery did not involve the soft palate. It goes right near it, but is confined to the hard palate.

Yes, this is the very best source for information of all sorts, and for comfort and support, even if others don't have the same type of problem.

It seems that an oral surgeon in Southern California should be able to do the preliminary work of diagnosing your spot, especially if you are getting a biopsy. If it comes back to indicate cancer, then i would recommend going to a cancer center.

Keep us posted, and if surgery is required, let me know. I might have more information for you then.

XO--Colleen

Do what you have to , but just make sure you get it done. You have to satisfy your own mind before it will be at ease. And please , ask a lot of questions.

I would get the biopsy as soon as you can. That's the only way to be sure one way or the other.

Dear Colleen, Jim, and David,

Thank you so much for your words of support! I'm glad I moved the biopsy up to Friday (the original surgeon wanted to wait until late March). Until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's just a funny-looking spot.

I'll keep you updated, and many thanks again!

-MM

As everyone before us taught us to say..."it's not cancer until the path report confirms it is" so let's hope for the best.

MM: Sending positive thoughts your way....hoping for a good report. Post and let us know the results. We're here to help you!

Lois & Buzz in NC

Thanks to all of you! I had the biopsy on my palate today -- no pain, just frustration at only being able to eat soft foods! I will get the pathology report in a week to ten days, and I will definitely report back with the news.

I really appreciate everyone's advice and support. This is a wonderful board! And of course I wish everyone the best with their struggles with these diseases.

MM

I'm so glad you got it . The waiting can get to you if you let it so keep your mind busy. I go this coming Tues for more biopsies so the Drs know what they are up against Next friday with the implants. here's hoping you get nothing but good news from the biopsies Miss Maybe.

Thank you, Jim, and I will keeping my fingers crossed for your biopsies on Tuesday. I hope the implant surgery on Friday also goes well!

MM

Miss Maybe,
I hope all is well and am praying for good results with your biopsy report.
I'm here if you need me.
Mike

Dear Dr. Mike and everyone else who was so kind to offer support and information,

I saw the oral surgeon today, and he presented me with a pathology report that identified the spot in my mouth as an oral melanotic macule. In other words: not malignant!

The incision itself is taking a while to heal, but I think that's to be expected when you cut a chunk out of the hard palate.

Anyway, I'm very happy and grateful, and I just wanted to thank everyone again for being so kind to me while I was worrying about this. I wish everyone the best in battling their diseases, and I'll continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Miss Maybe

Great news! Hopefully your incision will heal quickly and you'll be back to your old self.
Best of luck to you, and thanks for remembering us in your prayers!