Which ENT? A new referal to a cancer specialist or head & neck surgeon or the same one you have been seeing? Too many of us have heard the old "it's nothing to worry about" BS.

This is one that I've been to before. He's got a FACS behind his name. Does this mean he's a head and neck surgeon? I checked around yesterday before I went for a ENT specializing in cancer but there seemed no way to distiguish them from one another. The only other obvious alternative that I could see was to call an oncologist. The place that this guy is associated with is Ear, Nose and Throat Consultants of East Tennessee . His office is in the Tower at Park West. Please advise.

FACS simply indicates that he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (i.e. a board-certified surgeon). It means nothing in terms of cancer expertise.

Here's a link to the doctors at the UT Cancer Institute in Knoxville. As Anne-Marie says above, you'll want to see an oral/maxillofacial surgeon. They do have the cancer expertise: http://www.utmedicalcenter.org/cancer_institute/physicians_and_caregivers/ci_ut_physicians/

And here's the info for the head/neck cancer service: http://www.utmedicalcenter.org/cancer_institute/cancer_medical_services/head_and_neck/

All the best --
Leslie

Ok, dang it. I'm scheduled for an appointment with Dr. Carlson in two weeks. I can't take much more of this drama.

Good for you, Kit! I'm really proud of you for taking action!! The first appointment my son had with Dr. Carlson was for a week away but I was so anxious (that's putting it mildly!) that my ex-daughter-in-law called him back and got it for two days later! She even pretended she was still married to my son! So if you want to save yourself - and your family - a little stress, you could always call his office and request an earlier appointment. They switch things around all the time and everyone in the office is super nice. Maybe someone could call for you if it bothers you to call yourself. Hang in there and stay positive!