Like most folks, Ellen, I think we tend to think something like a sore throat IS minor and will either resolve itself or trust an MD to prescribe something if it's more serious but not really serious, like strep throat. I know I scanned my Merk Manual for every conceivable thing this "thing" on my tongue might be and delighted myself every time I would come up with my own diagnosis. (Oh, okay, that's what it is...)But all it took was the ENT doc, whom I saw a good 4 weeks into the pain, who said in no uncertain terms "it's a tumor," and I put down the books and took it seriously. Because it was serious.

Here's hoping for a good outcome for your loved one.