Hi everyone!

I'm 29 years old and a non smoker. Mommy to a beautiful 2 year old who still nurses due to rare food allergies. Of course all things that scare me medically happen on the weekend. While I was brushing my teeth last night I noticed a white/yellowish bump on the side of my tongue. It's painless and I have no clue how long it's been there. Definitely not an ulcer, I've had those and know how painful they can be!! I'd love any advice on who to see. I have a union dentist who I don't really trust knowledge wise.. Should I see an ENT, Oral Surgeon or who??

I attached some pictures - any advice would be appreciated!! I'm freaking out The picture is the same bump but all different angles. I'm scared it could be cancer..

Welcome to OCF. We aren't doctors but one common thing about most oral cancer is it does not grow much in a day or two. Most likely it is not oral cancer but watch it for a couple days and call the dentist office and ask if they perform screening for oral cancer. If they do, then go get it checked there. If not, an ENT is the next and better option to detect oral cancers.

I suspect you googled around and found this place. Please try to limit any more searching as 99% of what you find is BS and just scary nonsense. This place is backed up with medical experts.

Stay calm but vigilant. Remember oral cancer is very low chance cancer.

Don

Could it start like this? I'm just curious what else it could be? I'm terrified I was just hoping someone could help calm my fears. My dentist said she would look at it but would refer me to an oral surgeon if she didn't like the way it looked.

I would rush to the dentist. From what I see, you should work on oral hygiene more. Your tongue does not look healthy.

I understand your anxiety. Trust me, we all get it. Again, I am not a doctor but even if it was cancer and that is the extent of it, it should be pretty standard to remove at this point.

There is no way right now to help determine if it is cancer. The only way is for a medical professional to examine you and possibly perform a biopsy to make an assessment. The ONLY certain way oral cancers are determined is via a biopsy so no matter what you read or get responses here are not going to get you that answer.

So, back to anxiety. We know the feeling. What you have to try to do is to slow down the mind from going wild with the what ifs. You can totally freak yourself out, even having your funeral planned if you don't get control over your anxiety.

Take one day at a time. Remember, even if it is cancer, a couple days is not going to change anything in terms of diagnosis or treatment or outcomes.

It is much the same as driving down the road thinking every oncoming car is going to swerve over and kill you in a head on collision. You learn to manage these possibilities. You need to do the same with the little white dot being just another well little white dot. It is not going to kill you and almost with certainly it is not cancer.

Lastly, another standard saying around here is it is NOT cancer unless PROVEN.

Hang in there and do the best to remain convinced it is NOT cancer and one day at a time until you see the doctor/dentist.

Welcome to OCF! I have removed your photos. This site is made up of oral cancer patients and caregivers who will try to help you. Unfortunately we are not qualified to know from looking at a photo what is wrong (if anything).

My suggestion would be to get checked out by an ENT. Our "golden rule" around here is.... "Its not cancer until the biopsy says it is. Any sore you have had in your mouth for 2 or 3 weeks that does not heal by itself should get checked out by a professional."

Hope its nothing serious. Best wishes!!!

Thanks everyone.
Uptown I have a lot of dental issues could have a Mercedes in stead of the work I have had done in my mouth.

As for an ENT can I see any ol ENT? I'm in NJ and there's a bunch by me but only seeing regular stuff listed on their sites nothing about OC. Does there happen to be any list for recommended doctors in states?

No list of doctors on this site. Look for an ENT who preforms surgeries, they are the kind who have extra years of schooling and will be (hopefully) most experienced in treating oral cancer patients. When you call for the apt. ask if they treat OC patients and how often. You want someone familiar with mouth issues, not the type of ENT who mainly puts tubes in childrens ears.

So the ENT didn't want to biopsy today and said it looks benign. Like a little pimple but it's still painless. He said to come back if it's still there in two weeks. Is that okay? I've known about it a week but not sure how long it's actually been there.

Only thru a biopsy can the doctor determine for certain if something is benign or cancerous. As I stated above... any sore that has been in your mouth for 2 or 3 weeks and it has not resolved itself needs to be thoroughly checked by a professional. Wait it out and hopefully it will heal on its own.