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Joined: Aug 2016
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I had my dentist appointment this morning and it seemed to go relatively well. He gave the area a good look with his light, magnifying glasses and a gloved finger. Here are some of the things he shared:

• After inspection, he believes it to be a fibroma. He even noticed an area of my wisdom tooth (I still have mine!) where when biting down, the area appears to rub against the tooth.
• He said it has a “rubbery” texture to it.
• On appearance, it doesn’t have common pathologic characteristics.
• It measured 2.5mm
• He is “95% certain” it’s “nothing” and he doesn’t think it’s something I should worry about given what he saw.

All that said, he commented that the only way to know for sure is to have it looked at by an ENT or oral Surgeon and likely biopsied. He encouraged me to do that but also reiterated he didn’t want me to worry.

I certainly trust my dentist and his ability to look closer at the area than I can with my own eyes – more than I truest myself – but I also know there are many times where things were missed here. I made an appointment with an ENT I found for Wednesday which can’t come soon enough.

From my limited “research” on oral fibromas, most appear to be round and the color of the cheek. Does anyone know if it’s common for one to be white, at least on the surface?
Should the 2.5mm size give me any assurance that if it were cancerous, I likely caught it early?

Joined: Jun 2007
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It sounds like your dentist did a good job and helped to ease your mind. Im very sorry an exact diagnosis wasnt possible. Your dentist is correct, only a biopsy will determine exactly whats going on. Thats why I suggested to head right to the ENT, so a biopsy could be taken.

Remember, our site consists of OC patients/survivors and caregivers not medical professionals or anyone with a medical background. My knowledge is mainly about oral cancer and not so much about other mouth conditions (like what your dentist mentioned).

As far as the surface measurement goes, Im very sorry but thats not possible to answer either. The size you see may or may not be a true reflection of how big the spot really is as what lies under the surface could be very different than what visible on top. It could be like an iceberg (huge underneath the surface) or it could be the same as what you see. Only a doctor thru either a CT or MRI would be able to determine the exact size or the lesion.

You are on the right path. It takes time to get a complete diagnosis. In my opinion, its unlikely anything has significantly changed since the sore was first discovered. Staying super busy will help the time pass until you find out what your lesion is.

Hang in there!!!


Christine
SCC 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 smile
Joined: Aug 2016
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Thank you, I appreciate your kind words. Honestly, I knew heading in today I wasnt going to have a definitive diagnosis but thought it couldn't hurt to have the dentist take a look while I wait for the ENT appointment.

I should be feeling better about things given his confidence that it didn't appear sinister but I don't. Probably because I know there will be a biopsy then more waiting.

Anyway I appreciate all the comments. I know many of the people reading this are dealing with much more serious problems and its not my intent to overshadow that with my own worry.

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I was able to get in to see an ENT sooner. I found him online, in my area, accepted my insurance and was with a large medical practice group - seemed reputable, qualified and stated that "oral pathology" was one of his specialties.

I sat in the chair, he asked me to open my mouth so he could take a look. Immediately he kind of did a half laugh and said "is this here waht you're worried about? I can barely even see anything". I then explained to him where it was, how my dentist wasnt concerned but thought I should have an ENT take a look as well as a second opinion. He said it was absolutely nothing to be concerned about, it wasnt cancer and that it was traume related. I feel like he looked for now more than 10-15 seconds at most. I asked him if he was confident in that without doing a biopsy and he kind of laughed again and said yes that wasnt necessary. Honestly, it made me feel like an idiot even being there!

Based on that should I go see another ENT or perhaps an oral surgeon? Or let it go because two, I presume qualified people have looked at it and told me it was "nothing"? I don't want to be paranoid about it and want to trust them but at the same time the white area / spot is still there. No change in size and no symptoms.


Joined: Jun 2007
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Thats not an easy decision. If you feel comfortable in the results of your 2 appointments then relax and go on with your regular life. But... if you still feel anxious about the "spot" then yes, absolutely seek another qualified physicians opinion. Its always better to play it safe than look back and have regrets. One more cant hurt anything. At the same time at what point will you be satisfied your spot is really is exactly what the doctors described? You definitely have a difficult decision to make!!!

I think if it were me and knowing what I do about OC, I would try one more specialist and then let it go if they say the same thing. OC does not always hurt or show symptoms which is why its often not discovered until its later stages. If you choose to try another doc, I advise you to not say a word about being seen by any other doctors. You want to get a completely independent exam and opinion without any preconceived ideas about what the spot is. I would then ask if the doctor if they were 100% sure of what the spot is. If so, are they willing to put it in writing and if not insist on a biopsy.

Im very sorry if my answer was as clear as mud!!!


Christine
SCC 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 smile
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 34
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 34
Thanks for helping everyone ChristineB.

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