Welcome to OCF. Hope you do not need to be here! I am unsure of how things work in other countries regarding dentists, ENT (ear,nose and throat specialists) and oral surgeons. here in the US when a person suspects something serious they would see either an ENT or oral surgeon who would do a biopsy. Many professionals can suspect what it may be but only with a biopsy can they be certain.

Here is an image gallery from the main OCF pages. Click on each photo then click on the word 'diagnosis'. You will be able to see why its so difficult to visually diagnose only by sight.

You may encounter dentists who are not familiar with oral cancer. You may also find them dismissive due to your age. Im sorry to say, you are not too young for this. There are many younger people who have been diagnosed with oral cancer or some pre cancers weather a smoker or non smoker due to HPV. In the US both male and females under age 26 can get a series fo 3 shots to protect them from HPV (which is known to cause oral cancer). Any sore that has been in your mouth for 2 weeks or longer should be checked by a professional.

As far as the smoking goes, quit. There are hundreds of chemicals in tobacco and any one or combo of them could be irritating your throat. You do NOT want to end up looking like I do because of a silly habit. Im a former smoker myself and am now disfigured for the rest of my life all from making the bad choice and smoking. Im very lucky to be alive as Ive seen so many others not make it. PLEASE!!! QUIT!!!!! Let this be your wake up sign, you may not get another chance.

Best wishes!!!

OCF photo gallery