Hello, OCF members! I've been lurking on these boards for a few months now, but just made an account today. To be honest, I rather wish I'd never had a reason to do so, but c'est la vie.

Before I get into my story, I'll go ahead and affirm that I HAVE NOT been diagnosed with cancer. That said, I do think I'm developing a bad case of hypochondria with regards to my mouth. Ever since April, I've paid excessive attention to every minute detail in my mouth, and am thus hyper-aware of changes.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Here's a short intro and some background on me. I'm 27, and a recently "freed" Army veteran. I did two tours in Iraq, from 2004-2005, then again in 2008. I was diagnosed with PTSD and alcohol abuse in 2009, after I left the service. Went through treatment for both of the above in 2010 (and am now 18 months sober). Used tobacco pretty heavily for about 8 years (both dip and cigarettes).

Back in April, I noticed a pimple-like growth on the area on my gums where my wisdom teeth used to be (note, it was bilateral). I was scared out of my mind, and had it checked out by my dentist, who informed me that, "It doesn't look like cancer, but we'll send it in for biopsy to be safe." Results came back as hyperkeratosis without dysplasia. Whew. Quit dipping at that time (actually, I quit that the moment I saw the "pimple-ish" growth). Have been trying desperately to quit smoking. I'm down to half a cigarette a day (zero in the last four days!).

So, as I stated above, ever since April, I've scrutinized my mouth. After seeing "changes" (which I am unfortunately unable to ascertain whether or not they actually ARE changes, or if I've just now started noticing X, Y, or Z) and scaring myself for a few months, I had another appointment with my dentist to do a full OC screening. He said that I'm developing some thickened areas on my cheeks, but that he saw nothing of great concern, and that I just need to completely quit smoking.

So, that set my mind at ease for a bit. Unfortunately, that peace of mind hasn't lasted. As I said before, nothing has really "changed," except my amount of worry. The area that was biopsied (mandibular, right side) has an almost scar-like line extending from the alveolar ridge, through the buccal-gingival gutter, and a very short way up the cheek (<1 cm). On the maxillary "gutter" (I really don't know if I'm using this terminology correctly, but as far as I know it's correct - just trying to be accurate), there's a whitish spot that is plainly visible, but disappears/diminishes when the cheek is stretched. BOTH of the above areas are sensitive...well, sort of, anyway. Intermittently painful and/or irritated might be a better approximation. Then, there's an area around my retromolar trigone (right side, again) that will occasionally suffer a pin-prick of pain. When I look, however, there are no visible lesions on the area, so that's a complete mystery.

Anyway, due to all of the above, I've made an appointment with an ENT down at the VA for next week. The anxiety, though, is becoming debilitating. I'm currently a student, and am finding it increasingly difficult to bear this alone while still performing well in school.

I will keep everyone updated on what happens. Regardless of how many replies this gets, I do want to thank everyone here. The courage and strength displayed by OCF members is awe-inspiring.

Respectfully,
Alex