Hi Greg!

I know you must be very scared right now. Im sorry but there isnt anyone here who will be able to tell you what it is. I would suggest going to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist or an oral surgeon. Make sure they specialize in oral cancer. This does NOT mean I think its cancer! I dont know. Only thru a biopsy would they be able to tell exactly what it is. If it has been there longer than 2 weeks then its time for a medical professional to check it. Do not let them brush you off due to being young. I have known many oral cancer patients who were anywhere from only 17 years old and up at the time of their diagnosis. Another thing you may want to look into is getting the Guardisil shot to help protect you from the HPV strains which could cause oral and several other cancers.

I am happy to hear you are quitting using chewing tobacco. Every single cigarette or pinch of tobacco causes irritation and damage to your body. I am a former smoker and wish I had quit years ago before smoking ruined my life.

Good luck!!!


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile