Well, not near as clueless as I was 10 days ago. I am not diagnosed yet. I have always had dental issues, was never taken to the dentist as a child. I grew up with 7 brothers and sisters, and if you didn't have a toothache you didn't go to the dentist. SO my whole adult life has been patch, patch, patch. Bridges, crowns, fillings, root canals, I have had them all. It became apparent as I entered my 50's that all the patching wasn't going to do anymore. Teeth under crowns and even root canal teeth were having to be pulled. After an extraction in May, at which I know this wasn't in my mouth, I made the descion to get dentures. I had three more teeth pulled 4 weeks ago. Last week, while looking in a mirror to see how the bottom extraction was heeling, I see something in the bottom of my mouth. It looks like a blood blister. It isn't bleeding, doesn't hurt, just looks like your figner when you smash it in a door. I am terrified. Black means melanoma to me. I have been reading your boards since last week and the few people that posted about oral melanoma didn't find any info, so not sure if there is anything you can tell me.
I did let a 4th yr student pull the teeth last time because it saved me 97. wich was my co pay. I am wondering if its even possible that he pinched the area cause it is in a raised place under the tongue? He was rough compared to my regular guy.
I hope that if this is bad news, I have the strength, the will, and the fortitude that many of you here have had. Many of your stories I have read makes me amazed at the tenacity of the human spirit. I hope if I have to make this journey I have half the stength that you have.
I would like to add, that I have never smoked, never drank (abusive alcholic parent)I tell my kids I am the only person my age I know that never tried pot, ever. So this has been a shocker and I am blown away by the age of some of at diagnosis.
If any of you from tx could recommmed ENTs with oral cancer experience it would be much apprecaited. I may need one afer my dental app tomorrow. Close to Dallas area would be better. I don't see that they have a CCC but it is where I need to start. Thanks for any info God Bless
Sheree