[quote=Brian0703]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 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. [/quote]

Trese, I can sense the frustation from your posts. You either trust and have faith in your doctors or you don't. If you don't maybe you could send Brian a "private message" and see one of his doctors since he is also in PA. My husband unfortunately has dealt with the dreaded cancer diagnosis. We are now dealing with post-treatment pain issues. Is the cancer back? Is this pain due to radiation? Is it his wisdom teeth acting up? For now all of his doctors have told us that they aren't sure where the pain is coming from but they say the cancer isn't back. For now he is on an antibiotic and we just take each day as it comes.

You are going to stroke out worrying about this. Maybe for the next two weeks you could just focus on something else. If it is cancer sooner or later your symptoms will get worse. I am only a caregiver and I know first hand the worry and anxiety that goes along with all of this.

For now thank God you are cancer free and give yourself a break.