| | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2 | Hi,
I have been using smokeless tobacco regularly for about 5 years, about 5 days ago I noticed a lump in my left cheek where it meets the jaw. The lump is about the size of small grape and I can move it around in my cheek. The lump does not hurt at all. I am very worried and was wondering if anyone has had the same symptom. | | | | | 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 | Any sore that has been in your mouth for 2 weeks or longer should be checked by an ENT who specializes in oral cancer. Only a biopsy will be able to determine if this lump is cancerous.
Tobacco has many known cancer causing chemicals in it. This can irritate the user's delicate mouth tissue. Smokeless tobacco has fiberglass added. The fiberglass actually cuts into the users gums to help deliver the tobacco quicker into the bloodstream. Do yourself a huge favor and get rid of the tobacco habit. You dont want to be part of this forum especially when it could be prevented by choosing to avoid all tobacco products.
Hope its nothing serious!!!
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: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | [quote=Elcid07]Hi,
I have been using smokeless tobacco regularly for about 5 years, about 5 days ago I noticed a lump in my left cheek where it meets the jaw. The lump is about the size of small grape and I can move it around in my cheek. The lump does not hurt at all. I am very worried and was wondering if anyone has had the same symptom. [/quote]
I, too, have the lump you speak of. Many doctors and dentists have insisted it is nothing and actually many people above 50 develop "soft tissue tumors" of the parotid glands that are completely benign. Also, "salivary stones" will do the same thing but usually cause the saliva that backs up to continually swell. Have it biopsied and you won't have to guess. Worrying about the million + "what-ifs" is much worse than knowing and focusing on one thing while you enjoy life is much easier on the mind, body and soul. Just my opinion.
Ed
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
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