Hi Christine,

I'll avoid the alcohol Listerine on your suggestion :-)
Connie from the other thread actually got back to me, and let me know that her diagnosis was actually a symptom of localized gum disease. I feel it's very likely that mine could be too, and that makes me feel somewhat relieved. I have an appointment for a biopsy in 4 weeks regardless, unless it happens to start healing on its own before then, which would be an excellent sign. My oral surgeon is highly rated, but no I've never actually had an oral cancer screening to my knowledge. I'll mention it to my dentist or ENT. I also have what I believe is an enlarged lymph node on my cheek, and another on my arm near the elbow, but both of those have been enlarged for over a year while this red patch only appeared a month ago. I will mention them to the ENT anyway. Thanks for your help, and I'll you updated!