Dont over think it. Sometimes the most simple answer is just that: it just happens. Unless the obvious like you worked in same hazardous factory handling chemicals, there is no real reason why cancer happens. It just does. Half the time, the doctors are quessing! As you can see, you lived a very health life style and it still appeared/ happened. Best thing you can do now is listen to your doctors for best course of action. Maybe get a second opinion when it comes to the radiation if suggested. Forget the surgery, the radiation is gonna kick your ass (not scare you more than you already are)! Either way, DM if you need more info or if you have any questions. We are all here to help you during this difficult time. Good Luck! You are not alone.

Hello there. Your story resonates very strongly with me because of what I recently went through this year. I am a 52 year old maile and back in January of this year, I had a canker sore that eventually went away for the most part, but the white “patch” remained. It didn’t bother me too much but it was a little painful if I pressed on it. I gave it some time and 6 months later a dental cleaning, dentist suggested I get a biopsy done. Saw the oral surgeon this past August and the biopsy came back positive for Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Horrible news of course.

It’s now December and after seeing a head and neck cancer specialist, and multiple tests and scans etc, I am very happy to say that I am cancer free and only had to give up a chunk of my tongue.

In any case, I would NOT mess around with something like this. Just because it isn’t painless anymore, don’t get complacent with that. Please see an oral surgeon and see if they think a biopsy is needed. My specialist told me that had I waited another 6 months, it would have been MUCH worse. Mine had only penetrated 2mm into my tongue, but once its past 3, I would need my lymph nodes removed. Please see someone as soon as possible. I hope and pray that it’s nothing! Best of luck and keep me posted. I am happy to help with any info and or my process if it helps.

I’m sorry you need to go through this. as some one had leukoplakia for over 6 years I can definitely feel you on the fine balance between catching things early versus not being too anxious.

Hope the bump turns out to be just scar!