Susan,

I also had this experience. I saw the dentist 3 weeks prior to diagnosis and nothing was said. I did mention to him that I was on antibiotics for swelling of my lymph nodes and my tonsil being enlarged. I had been seeing my dentist for 4 years for major dental work in addition to my regular cleanings, so he knew my mouth anatomy pretty darn well yet he still missed the tumor.

I initially was very upset with him and said I would never go back to him. I even called him the day I was diagnosed and asked him how he missed this, he was stunned that I had oral cancer. After calming down and much time later, I finally decided that no one was to blame, not me, not the dentist, not anyone....sometimes bad things just happen. He is human and errors happen but you better bet he does a better oral screening now. With that said, I do say most definately bring this to her attention, although it doesn't benefit you, it benefits future patients.

Oh, and yes, I still see the same dentist, he is a great guy that has learned a valuable lesson in his practice.