Hi Pati, welcome to OCF! We will try our best to help you with your questions.
Unfortunately as you have found out, dentists often are not able to help oral cancer (OC) patients/survivors with their questions or problems. Dentists focus almost entirely on the teeth and are not usually trained or experienced to see anything else.
Im not sure why you are going to see a radiologist for your current issue. A radiologist treats patients with radiation, I dont think this type of specialist would do biopsies or OC exams.
I suggest finding an experienced ENT to give you a good thorough exam and if necessary do a biopsy. An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor is who should be overseeing your case and seeing you from time to time to make sure you are doing alright. Make sure you find an ENT who specializes in treating OC patients and not the type who mostly puts tubes in childrens ears.
Recurrences are hard to deal with! For most patients it can be terrifying just thinking another round of OC could be a possibility even if only its a remote one. Pain does not always mean it could be cancer. Even though its in the same area as where you have had cancer before. Often OC shows no signs or symptoms before it is diagnosed, which is why often its not found until its later stages. If this would turn out to be cancer again, I would suggest going to a CCC to get treated. Off the top of my head, Im pretty sure Duke is a CCC, or thers Johns Hopkins in MD and Vanderbilt in TN. Heres the list so you can check what is closest to your area.
NCI Designated Cancer Centers Ive sent you a couple private messages (PMs). Click on the tiny flashing envelope near the center of the menu line, next to the My Stuff tab. Make sure you take some time to click on the enclosed link and read thru the info. Its important to add a signature, directions are included in the link as well as info on how to easily navigate our site.
Im hoping you dont have anything seriously wrong, especially not another recurrence. Best wishes with everything!
