| | Joined: Jul 2016 Posts: 1 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jul 2016 Posts: 1 | Hi everyone!
I'm new to the group and suspect I may have oral cancer, but my doctors all say they don't offer testing/screening. Can anyone recommend a resource for finding a doctor in the area or someone specific they suggest?
Thank you! | | | | | Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 1,275 Likes: 7 Assistant Admin Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Assistant Admin Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2012 Posts: 1,275 Likes: 7 | Welcome to the group. I think your best bet is to see an ENT who has experience treating oral cancer. You may want to bring along any medical records you have so that the doctor will have a better picture of what's bothering you. Good luck.
Last edited by gmcraft; 07-08-2016 12:22 PM.
Gloria
She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails... Elizabeth Edwards
Wife to John,dx 10/2012, BOT, HPV+, T3N2MO, RAD 70 gy,Cisplatinx2 , PEG in Dec 6, 2012, dx dvt in both legs after second chemo session, Apr 03/13 NED, July 2013 met to lungs, Phase 1 immunotherapy trial Jan 18/14 to July/14. Taxol/carboplatin July/14. Esophagus re-opened Oct 14. PEG out April 8, 2015. Phase 2 trial of Selinexor April to July 2015. At peace Jan 15, 2016.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 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: 7 | Welcome to OCF! Hopefully you will not need our site but if you do we will be here to help. Around here we have a saying... Any sore that does not resolve itself within 2-3 weeks should be checked by a professional. By a professional I mean an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer patients. There are all kinds of things that come and go in a persons mouth, a sore could be many different things besides cancer. OC patients often do not experience symptoms until the cancer is in its later stages. Hopefully what you have going on is nothing serious. OCF has partnered with many dental professionals across the US who offer free screenings. Maybe one of these places (or events) is near you? Try calling your insurance company too, they should have a directory of specialists and be able to direct you in the right direction. Oral Cancer Free Screenings Good luck!!!
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: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 | Why do you suspect oral cancer? What symptoms are you having?
A dentist and/or dental hygienist should conduct an oral cancer screening as part of your regular checkup (unfortunately many do not). There are "light" devices such as a Velscope that some medical offices have that help detect suspect tissue in your mouth.
Only a biopsy can determine if an area is cancerous, and either an oral surgeon or ENT can do a biopsy. If cancer is confirmed, you will need to be seen by an ENT that treats oral cancer (not all do). Check the website for hospitals in your area and read the bios of the doctors.
Many oral cancers are located in the throat and often these have no symptoms until a lump (swollen lymph node) appears.
Also, check the OCF main website - lots of good information. Wishing you the best!
Susan
SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0
Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV-
Surgery: June 2005
RT: Feb-Apr 2006
HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105!
Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010
Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia
Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia
Dental issues: 2013-2022 (ORN)
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