#27918 01-17-2006 04:52 PM | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Member | OP Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2 | I went to the dr last week and he wants to do a biopsy on my tongue. I have had white patches on both sides for over 10 years. I have mention this to every dentist I have ever seen and none of them where ever concerned. This new dentist sent me to the oral surgeon and he then suggested the biopsy. I am concerned about what this might be and why this dentist wants it checked out. Does anyone have any advise? I do not want to get to worried. If this were truly cancer wouldn't it have grown or casued pain or something over the last 10 years.
Bridget
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#27919 01-17-2006 05:45 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | I think this doctor just wants to cover all the bases and do the right thing, know for SURE whast he is looking at even if it has been there awhile. Leukoplakia, the white spots, can remain a benign, long term condition or can sometimes move on to becoming a malignancy. The biopsy is no big deal, peace of mind is. Most people that develop this are smokers... have you been one for this long? If so, sometimes it will resolve when smokers quit. Sounds like your new dentist is worth hanging onto. He's doing the only thing that will tell for sure what's what.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. | | |
#27920 01-18-2006 01:44 AM | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2 Member | OP Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 2 | I have never smoked or drank. I am 32 and the spots have been there as long as I can remember. I will be have the biopsy in about a month---my insurance is the worst and it has always been an issue getting stuff approved. Thanks for you help!
Bridget
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#27921 01-18-2006 05:28 AM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 417 | Better safe than sorry. Have the biopsy. Darrell
Stage 3, T3,N1,M0,SCC, Base of Tongue. No Surgery, Radiationx39, Chemo, Taxol & Carboplatin Weekly 8 Treatments 2004. Age 60. Recurrence 2/06, SCC, Chest & Neck (Sub clavean), Remission 8/06. Recurrence SCC 12/10/06 Chest.
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#27922 01-18-2006 10:07 AM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 116 Gold Member (100+ posts) | Gold Member (100+ posts) Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 116 | I had something similar and after the biopsy it turned out it was like calas marks on my tongue from my teeth rubbing it.
SCC R-Tonsil T2 NO MO Dec 2003. Completed IMRT Radiation only to tonsils(72Gy) and neck(55Gy)March 04. Detected at age 50.
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