I'm a newbie with questions. My husband and chewed tobacco for approx. 25 years. He recently has had trouble with red, raised sores on the floor of his mouth, underneath his tongue. There are several, maybe 4 (?). Over the last week or so, he has experienced pain in this area after eating. He finally went to the Dr. yesterday, and she said it didn't look like anything she could treat, and referred him to a surgeon on 10/18. I'm just looking for any sort of advice anyone here can provide. I'm obviously very worried, as is my husband.

Thank you so much in advance.

Angela

Angela, my 1st question is "what kind of surgeon?"
He needs to see a good ENT or someone who has experience with Head and Neck cancer [hopefully to rule that out] Don't panic-just get to the best medical advice you can find. Amy

Hi Amy,

Thanks for your response. He has been referred to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon on 10/18. His primary care physician mentioned a biopsy, but I have no idea if this will be on the first visit. I'm going to try to get the appointment moved up to this week if at all possible. The waiting is horrible.

Hi Angela,

Waiting is a very difficult thing to do and I hope that you have success getting his appointment moved up. Hopefully this will turn out to be nothing, but in either case this is a good opportunity for your husband to stop using tobacco.

Any sores in the mouth that hang around for more than 2 weeks should be checked. A biopsy is the only way you can know for sure if there is cancer present. Many times the oral surgeon will do the biopsy right at the first appointment. If not, it will probably be scheduled rather quickly. Waiting for the results is also difficult, so let him/her know how anxious you are.

Please let us know the results, we will be here for you. Good luck moving the appointment up.

Jerry

Thanks so much for your kind words. We were able to get the appointment moved up to tomorrow (10/11 at 9:30 a.m.) I will post the details after the appointment.

Angela

Angela,
I'm wondering how you are and what your husband's results are. The one bit of advice I can give you is don't wait! It's great you got the appointment moved up, keep at it girl. If they need to do more testing or begin treatment or schedule surgery, make sure it is a.s.a.p. My brother was diagnosed at the end of May but they didn't remove his teeth until July and didn't start radiation until the last of August. I have no doubt we lost crucial time in our battle to save him.
If your husband IS clear of cancer, make sure he has through dental exams every six months and anytime he goes to the doctor, have them do an oral examination. Chewing tobacco is like playing Russian Roullete (sp?) and sooner or later, it will get you.
Best wishes to you and your family,
Tonya
Best of luck!