Trese, I lurk on these boards because I have the same issues you do, to some extent, in the sense that I have risk factors (former dipper) and have seen things in my mouth. Granted, I look VERY closely, and very often. I went to three very good oral surgeons and two very well respected ENTs and the dentist, and all said that what I have is not cancer and they did not want to do a biopsy on what they feel is healthy tissue. I have had oral biopsies before that came back benign and I felt sure those were going to come back bad too.

I wish I could have a biopsy to put my mind at ease again, and sometimes a doctor will do that for you, but the one doctor told me that if they think there is any chance that something is cancer or precancer, they will not let you leave their office without biopsying it. Your health, their reputation, medical malpractice, etc., is on the line.

I have read on the board about people pushing for biopsies and then the oral surgeon finding cancer, but with the 6 specialists I have been to (the last two being both an oral surgeon and ENT head and neck surgeon from Penn who together have over 60 years experience working with many patients with oral cancer), I feel I have no choice but to trust them, keep an eye on my oral health and if I see changes, particularly in that one spot, go back.

You sound like you need to do the same.