| | Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 1 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Nov 2012 Posts: 1 | Soo I think I probably have gum cancer and I pretty much already accepted it but it could be something else. I smoke but I quit a few days ago. So theres this very faint purplish dark spot located to the left of my canine tooth. The reason I think its cancerous is because they said you should have a bump or hardened gums, and right next to the spot, above the canine tooth is a hard bump. BUT I felt above my other canine tooth and theres a bump like that also, which is normal but I feel like the one where the spot is is a bit more hard. I could be blowing this out of proportion or not, I dont know. Im seeing a dentist tomorrow. I cant stop thinking about this  Would else could this be? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | Good for you - thrilled you are seeing a dentist tomorrow. Make sure you tell them you want - and use these words- an Oral Cancer Screening. If they are not able to provide that - you need a new dentist. You also could ask for a referral to an oral surgeon who could do a test/biopsy of the area you mentioned.
This is a disease that is curable if caught early enough. Congrats on quitting smoking - that is the single biggest thing you could EVER do to improve your health. And yes, this is coming from an ex-smoker. Do whatever you need to to be smoke free.
There is an online stop smoking group called Quitnet.com which I relied on heaving - them and the patch. Just don't smoke - N.O.P.E. - Not One Puff Ever!!!
Keep us posted after you have been to the dentist.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | It's so good you quit smoking! And that you are seeing a dentist. Before you see the dentist, go here: http://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/index.html Scroll down to where it says "How to know if you have had a proper oral cancer screening". THat way you will know what you should be expecting the dentist to do.
Anne-Marie
CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | If you want to get this spot checked I would suggest seeking out an ENT (ear nose and throat doctor). Any sore that has been in your mouth for 2 weeks or longer should be checked by a professional. Not all dentists will be able to diagnose oral cancer. Only thru a biopsy will they be able to determine whats going on.
Congrats on quitting smoking! PLEASE do yourself a huge favor and let this be a wake up call and stay tobacco free. All the chemicals added to tobacco can do so much damage to sensitive mouth tissue. Best to avoid it all together.
Best wishes!!!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | |
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