Hi,
I'm new here, and have not been diagnosed yet. However, my dentist found a tongue lesion with a Velascope. A referral was given, but instead I found an ENT, who, along with my regular doctor, didn't 'see' anything (not a lesion), and therefore will not biopsy. They did a tube test up my nose to look at everything, all clean. My new dentist keeps giving me referrals, insisting I need to see an oral surgeon, not an ENT. It is true, the 'lesion' is the same color as my regular tongue, if it is a lesion at all; the Velascope lit up a small pea size round thing with the red light. The ENT says this is not anything because I have no visible tongue lesion. He can physically feel the round pea mass with his fingers, but says this is a previous trauma healing over.

I probably will do a second opinion and may decide on a biopsy, but must I see an oral surgeon? If so, why, and why is my dentist so insistent I must go that route because an ENT is not good enough???

Thanks, any help will be appreciated! I feel like I'm going crazy trying to figure out such a small consideration, and it's blocking any path forward.

Welcome, I see you have just joined our group. I also see you are in CO. If you are not far from Aurora, you can find the right specialist at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. If you can't go there, perhaps they can point you in the right direction.
My personal experience has been that our "brand" of cancer hits only a small % of the population and I have always been best served by those who specialize in oral cancer. Early detection is valuable so find an expert with specific experience. Good luck.

Welcome to OCF, Lilly! Our site is made up of oral cancer patients and caregivers. We do not have the years of medical school, clinical care, patient hands-on experience like a doctor has. Unfortunately I dont know why your dentist is so insistent on an oral surgeon??? I suggest you ask your dentist the questions you asked here. The dentist must have reasons why they insist on an oral surgeon, unfortunately no one here would know why your dentist is avoiding ENTs.

An ENT can be several different types. You do NOT want an ENT who mainly treats children with putting tubes in their ears. You should find an ENT who does surgeries and specializes in treating oral cancer patients. Thats who oversees my care and many others here as well.

An oral surgeon could mainly take out wisdom teeth. Or maybe they treat TMJ? Or an oral surgeon often is a step up from a regular dentist. Some oral surgeons will do biopsies, as do most ENTs, or occasionally you will find dentists who do them too.

How long has your "lump" been there? Any spot or sore that is in your mouth for 2-3 weeks (or longer) and if it does not resolve itself within 2-3 weeks then it needs to be checked by a professional. By the word professional, I mean an ENT who specializes in oral cancer patients.

Bottom line is you need to find out exactly what the "lump" is and only thru a biopsy will you know for certain what it is. Many professionals can guess but thats all it is without the biopsy... an educated guess. I suggest not delaying much longer to find out whats going on. Hopefully it is nothing serious and can be easily treated. Please let us know how you make out.

Best wishes!!!