| | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 | I know that you are unable to diagnose over the Internet but I am hoping to get peoples opinions.
I am 28 female and am a smoker. I have noticed I have an area of white lines on my bottom gum extending slightly under my tongue. They are not sore and are about the length of 3 teeth.
Thinking back I have had them for a few years now and I don't think they have gotten any bigger.
I have been attending a few different dentists for the last year or so ( root canal, dental implant, fillings) and have had many X-ray and many eyes on my mouth of late.
I am terrified that I have oral cancer.. The more I google the more scared I get even going back to the dentist now scares me in case it is bad news :-(
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 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: 6 | Hello and welcoem to OCF. If you have something that has been in your mouth for years then it would be unlikely that it is cancer. Oral cancer is a fast moving cancer. The only way to know is with a biopsy that would be done by an oral surgeon or and ENT. Most dentists refer you to someone else for a biopsy. It is not unheard of for a dentist to not recognize oral cancer. Have you ever had an oral cancer screening? It should be part of your yearly checkup at the dentist. If you are concerned, make an appointment and get it checked out. Dont get upset, if it is cancer then it can be cured. The "what if" game only will drive you crazy with worry, please go about your regular life until you know for sure if you have cause to worry. Hopefully you have learned what smoking can do to you and you get rid of the cigs. Its not worth your life for a couple puffs. Best of luck.
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  | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | This is likely smokers leukoplakia. Very common, seldom converts to malignancy. It only converts to low grade dysplasia, (still not way risky) in about 25% of all cases. I am not going to preach to you about the long term consequences of being a smoker. Perhaps this is just a get your attention kind of thing, to make you consider giving up tobacco.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | I didn't pay attention so mine turned out to be one of the 25%.
Just check out my signature. If you are worried get the biopsy done and hopefully it will be clear. 3 biopsys over eight years on the white leukoplakia patch floor of the mouth near tongue were clear but the 4th was not so giving up is definately the way to go..I know!
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 | Thanks for the response Guys. I have been going out of my mind with worry.
I have been out of the country for the past week and it's all I could think about.
Would you recommend going to your GP or dentist about it? I need peace of mind now... And to find out what it is for sure.
Do you mind me asking what age you are? I have read that more and more people under 30 are developing oral cancer. This terrifies me even more and now my throat feels really tight and like there is something tight around it.
I have stopped smoking.... The worry makes it even harder not to not smoke. Really stupid I know. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | The sooner you get this checked out, the better you will feel, no matter the outcome. Not all dentists are experienced or see much oral cancer. My son's dentist sent him to an oral surgeon for a biopsy which is the only way to tell for sure if it's cancer or not. It may just be the wake up call to quit smoking. My son was (and is) a non smoker and he was 33 when diagnosed with oral cancer. Hope everything turns out ok for you and that you get the good news you need soon!
Let us know what happens.
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: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 | I went to my doctor and he took a look at the patch. He said it was nothing to worry about. I wasn't happy with that as an answer from what I have read online. I went to my dentist today and she was not able to say what it was so referred me to an oral surgeon.
Hoping to get an appointment ASAP now.
I really am so worried about, I don't even want to tell anyone about it as I don't want people to worry about me too. It would make it worse. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 | Just wanted to provide an update, as I find this site so helpful.
I am still waiting to see an oral surgeon. But my dentist said that she was not overly concerned with the patch but it would be best practice to see an oral surgeon. App in late December.
My question is as I have removed the irritant, which I believe to be smoking (6 weeks smoke free!!) How long should it take for the patch to clear up?
It has changed colour to a really translucent white and some of the lines have disappeared. But I can still feel the raised bumps. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 | We are tickled you quit smoking and we hope those patches of white continue to disappear, but keep that appt. with the oral surgeon anyway, just to be sure. And continue the ban against smoking - you will be happy you did - and so will your mouth and lungs. : )
Husband: 3 SCC gum and cheek cancers 2002, 2005, 2006: surgery only. Scans clear after removal of small, well differentiated, non-invasive cancers. No radiation. 4th SCC lip diagnosed 4/13/07 - in situ, removed in biopsy. More lip removed 2/8/08 - dysplasia. 2 Biopsies 3/17/09 no cancer (lichenoids)
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 | I have another question that I am hoping some people can help me with.
As said above I am going to see an oral surgeon late December.
The thing is I have recently got myself a job and have had to complete a pre employment medical questionaire.
One question on the form was whether I am attending any doctors. I did not want to lie so answered Yes and provided details of why I was attending the surgeon.
Now as I have not actually seen the doctor and have no idea what the white patch maybe - Do you think this could rule against me, making me fail the pre employment medical?
The job is a desk job. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 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: 6 | Best of luck with your appointment.
There are very few people from Ireland as members of OCF. As an American, I have no idea about other countries hiring practices. Hopefully your honesty will be a good thing and you will get the job.
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 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 96 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 96 | That is a tough one. I am not sure of that as things are different here in the states. Here they cannot discriminate but proving that could be very hard. I think some of it depends on the wording you used for why you were seeing the dr. Some people hear the C word and a business thinks about time you might need to take off etc. I hope that you get the job and that this biopsy come out negative. Good for you to not take your doctors word and went to see your dentist and oral surgeon. Keep standing up for yourself and congrats on the smoking thing.
31 at dx 9/06
SCC T4N0M0 with bone invasion upper maxillary
Surgery 10/06
CT's clear for 2 years
2nd recurrence - Laser surgery 1/09 dx
Tumor board - No surgery to invasive for QOL
35 IMRT 3/30/09 Completed 5/15/09
8 tx Erbitux 3/24/09 Completed 5/6/09
HBO for ORN March & April 2010
Fibula flap 5/10
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 | Hi Funky Duck,
I don't know how the whole job process works in Ireland but I certainly hope not! Glad you have appts to see drs. and that you stopped smoking. Hope you are feeling better. Hopefully it wlll just clear up but I'm so glad you are being vigilant about this.
Kate
Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 /
Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor
Finished all treatments May 25 2007
Surviving!!!
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,406 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,406 | I think honesty is always the best policy, in life as in employment. Hopefully your soon to be boss will agree. Good luck with your upcoming appointment!
David 2
David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 14 years all clear in 6/23 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I think you should see an ENT not an oral surgeon. The ENT is better schooled or this work. The best to you tho.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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