Things seem to be moving quickly and I need an experienced sounding board.
Here goes... I used dip/snuff-smokeless tobacco for 28years. I quit cold turkey 8 years ago. It was after holding my newborn daughter late one night and thinking why?
Fastforward:
The last 2 months my lymph node (left lower jaw) swelled from nothing to 1.5cm. There is no pain per say, more an ache. I can feel that there is a difference in my neck and can find it easily.
I went to my Primary and she physically palpitated and agreed.
She also found a small (pink and white lesion growth) right next to left tonsil. She wrote me a referral to an Oral Surgeon and ordered blood work.
Blood work came back normal(within ranges).
Got in to Oral Surgeon he took a good look and said that he wasnt alarmed. He felt it was posibbly due to an injury....?
He said if I elected to have it removed he would biopsy the tissue. As he wasn't alarmed my fears eased considerably, he couldnt do it right then and there (might require 1-2 stitches) so "I could decide", he again stated he wasn't overly concerned.
Middle of this week another followup with my primary. She asked what Oral Surgeon said. She took a another look, checked nodes(same) and said get it(growth) removed and biopsied.
Got home called Oral Surgeon and they put me in for this next Monday. Much quicker then getting in initially.
Things seem to be happening very quickly, my question is should I be seeing an ENT or is Oral Surgeon the one to see.
My grandfather died at age 40 with lymphoma of throat(non-smoker, no alcohol). No experience with these symptoms, tests or specialists.
Thank you.

I'm sorry for for conditions and concerns. I would go to an ENT. The doctor can do a visual and palpable exam. If possible, he may be able to get a biopsy sample, punch, brush. But incisional is most accurate. but the back of the throat is difficult to get at, and may require biopsy under anesthesia. A FNAB, fine needle aspirational biopsy, under sonogram guidance, is very accurate to test the lymph node, and can be done in 15 minutes, usually by a pathologist, but some ENT's do them. They can tell more from this biopsy, and type of cancer. They can order further diagnostic testing, such as a CT, MRI, and PET/CT scan. Good luck.

Paul
Thank you.
The Oral Surgeon is: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon D.D.S, MD, clinical instructor at University of Rochester(our best teaching hospital).
He said at last visit initial exam he would remove it (entirely-?) and biopsy.
I thought that with him being a Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon he would know right off the bat.
I see him on Monday, but after thinking about it, my other symptoms and talking with wife I'm now second guessing.
Thanks Matt

If needed, the oral surgeon can refer you to an ENT in the same facility, and is probably part of the ENT department, mine is. You can check the hospital website, which most have. I believe it's a CCC, and very good facility. Good luck.

Welcome to OCF, Matt! From what you explained to me I would suggest starting out with an ENT who is familiar with treating oral cancer patients. Since the oral surgeon who checked you out was not concerned enough to do a biopsy and wanted to check it after he removed it, then you may want to seek out a doctor who is more proactive. The first step in diagnosing oral cancer is a biopsy, not taking the item of question out and then doing the biopsy. Think of it this way.... what if it is cancerous? Then you just had that tumor disturbed and will most probably need another surgery to make sure clean margins are obtained. Other surgeons wont want to get involved as you are someone elses patient. Surgeons will always suggest to have surgery, radiation doctors always want the patient to have rads, etc. Why put yourself thru all that?

In my opinion, another doctor may be a better choice due to the oral surgeon being dismissive of the situation. Nowadays oral cancer is being diagnosed in younger, healthier patients who dont fit the usual criteria. Oral cancer is not easily diagnosed visually, it needs a biopsy. It could be all kinds of things and I really hope it is not oral cancer.

Please do some thinking about your situation and make a choice you are comfortable with.

Good luck!!!

Since you already have an appointment I would follow through with it since it would take too long to get into an ENT � have the biopsy and if its good news you're free, if not he can refer you to an ENT... Hopefully it's nothing... best of luck.

Just wanted to say thanks,
I decided to keep my Monday appointment and review all thoughts, symptoms and concerns before he does anything. Ill talk about biopsy vs full removal and investigation of swollen nodes. Thanks for the different thoughts. Im trying to stay busy so as I dont worry much. Wife is the silent worrier type me tending to break things down, investigate all angles good and bad .
Thank you

Good luck Monday.

Biopsy results: Benign Squamous Papilloma (tonsillar pillar/soft palate).
Biopsy site healed well.
Referred to a top ENT for swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms. He said he couldnt see much past tonsils, and ENT could scope and see throat and base of tongue in addition to other tests as required.
Thank you all very much, you all are amazing and strong...So many Heroes!

Good luck with your follow ups.