Hi everyone,

I have been lurking about these forums for weeks now, and I finally figured out how to get registered.

I fully recognize that no one here can diagnose anything, I was just hoping to give you a little of my recent background and see if anyone else had similar experiences.

Before I start, let me just say that I am sorry that all of you are going through this, and I commend you for staying strong and sticking together.

Probably about 7 months ago I woke up with a painful ulcer in my mouth. I've never had canker sores or anything like that, however because the ulcer is right where my back molar rubs and its on the side I always sleep on, I figured my tooth was just cutting into my skin.

Unfortunately, that ulcer is still there today. It appears to be about the same size as it has always been and it doesn't always hurt, but it does often. In the time since its appearance more symptoms have popped up.

I've had small dark blue or black blister type thingees that pop up and disappear within a couple days. I've started to have pain on both sides of my mouth, my neck, my shoulders and the back of my head. I feel pressure quite often on my face and neck, sometimes the swelling gets so bad I feel like I am being strangled. These symptoms typically aren't present in the morning but get worse throughout the day, especially if I go to work (which is very physical).

I've been to the ER 3-4 times in the past month because of sudden lightheadedness and some trouble breathing. Each time they tell me something different. I've had several chest x-rays and all show my lungs are fine (aside from the smoking damage I've done to them).

Last week I finally could afford to go to an ENT. The visit was hurried along and he seemed to instantly dismiss my concerns. He referred me to a dentist to get the offending tooth fixed and to physical therapy. WHAT?!

He palpatated my head and neck and says I have no swollen lymph nodes, however I do have masses in the same place on both sides of my neck, under my jaws, and behind my ears. When I palpate them they are quite tender. I also reached into my mouth and noticed I have these same kind of "masses" inside my cheeks. They are also tender and back toward my jaw.

I realize I've never paid much attention to my mouth before so I don't know what its supposed to feel like, but I know it isn't supposed to hurt. I have a sore throat most of the time and my teeth are sore at times.

I don't really know what I expect to hear from any of you, but at this point I am concerned that I waited too long and I potentially have a cancer that is progressed. I am sick often, whether it is being lightheaded, losing appetite at times, nauseous, or having trouble breathing.

I'm praying at this point that it is a dental infection, as I do have several cavities I couldn't afford to have filled in 2008 when they were discovered.

I'm just at a loss for what to do. I have no insurance, though I am trying to get on state insurance now that I have my birth certificate in hand. Either way I'm afraid that it is something terrible, and even worse, that I am too late.

I've missed so much work lately being sick, its going to be hard to even keep my job.

Was anyone else out there in significant pain before their cancer was discovered? Is it possible that I have cancer on both sides of my face and neck?

Hopefully the dentist will at least admit to feeling what I'm feeling tomorrow so I can try and find out what is wrong with me. BTW I am 32, female, and a long time smoker. I want to quit so badly but this stress lately is making it even harder.

Thanks a lot for listening and any experiences or insight that you might share.

Penny T

Last edited by Penny_T; 01-30-2012 12:40 PM.

33 yr old female, former smoker of too many years.
Currently awaiting results of a neck ultrasound.