Yes, some dentists do know. When you go in to see him ask for an oral cancer screening and also point out the spots you are afraid of. I am sure he will do x-rays. If you had some done not too long ago you might ask that they compare them to see if you have lost bone (the space between the teeth you are seeing). Be aware that your dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon if he is not sure about them.

A biopsy isn't real big. What they do is usually a punch biopsy and they punch a hole in the affected area and take a small piece of it. This piece is then checked out at a lab to see if there is cancer in there and what type of cancer it is and how bad it might be.

Oh alright thanks for the help!!!

You are very welcome for any help!!! If you have any more questions after your appt or before just ask. We are here to help.

Dentists certainly know about oral cancer but usually they will refer to a oral surgeon to do a biopsy of the lesion. There may be exceptions but don't be surprised if he sends you to an oral surgeon to do a biopsy.

Lee,

Glad you found this site to answer your questions.

First of all if I was your parent I would be very upset with you for not telling me what's going on no matter what you've been doing. Maybe I shouldn't say this is there any need to tell them what you've been up to, tell them you have something going on in your mouth. If that's what's holding you back your smoking and drinking and that will upset them don't say anything about it unless it comes up. Get to a Dentist or Oral Surgeon.

There is nothing to having a biopsy suggest to your Dentist you want one, that's the only way you'll know for sure. If he says it doesn't look like anything to be alarmed about tell him you want a biopsy now. Only a small piece is taken you can't tell it heals normal if you know what I mean.

Keep us posted I hope it's nothing.

Connie

Lee, please do tell your parents what is going on. It isn't necessary to talk about smoking or drinking as this may or may not be the cause of anything. But they will want to know that there is a problem and be there to support you. Hopefully it is not cancer. As others have said, don't waste any time on this. Get to a good ENT (Ear Nose Throat) specialist and have it looked at. Dentist may or may not be helpful.

I hope this turns out to be nothing significant. Please keep us informed and we will all be here fo you.

Again, please let your family know you have a lesion and are scared.

Dodie

Please don't wait! I'm the mother of a 16 and 14 year old. Yes I would be upset if they were partying but I would be 1000 times more upset if they didn't tell me they had a lump in there mouth. Tell them asap. If you tell your doctor about the cigs and pot he has to keep it confidential I beleive even if your a minor. Just do not wait, tell them immediately about the lump so they can get you the proper diagnosis. Good luck to you and Merry Xmas. Shelly

9/18/10-mucoepidermoid carcinoma-inter/advanced
10/13/10-surgery, neck dissection
11/1/10-start 33 rads no chemo

Some do some don't, they are starting to get up on it lately. It's best to have the checkup by your Dentist so that the ENT and Oncologist will have an idea as to the health of your teeth and gums. Good luck. We have a very good dentist in OCF that has fought this stuff. I bet he will post for you with good advice.

Lee - Don't wait!! You need to get your mouth looked at by by someone familiar with Oral Cancer. My son waited and kept putting off getting to the dentist until he had a big lump under his tongue and it started hurting. Luckily his dentist sent him to an Oral Surgeon right away. Often the symptoms don't cause any pain and you can't use the reason of no pain not to get it checked out. Start by telling your Mom what's going on inside your mouth and that you are afraid it could be oral cancer. Tell her you've been looking up info on the net and OCF and ask her to go with you to a dentist that knows about Oral Cancer. Maybe you could also look up a good dentist and find out if they are experienced in Oral Cancer. She will be proud that you were responsible enough to get all the information about your health. Then, if she asks you if you've been smoking, tell her you have quit (and REALLY quit before you tell her!!). First, she will be very worried about the cancer, then she will be happy you quit smoking and glad you got all the information. If your Mom goes ballistic about what you've been doing, just listen and take whatever you have coming like the responsible person you are. It's a small price to pay for getting your health (and maybe your life) back!