Welcome DW, There have been folks here from time to time that have had a history of smokeless use. Smokeless tobacco is not a "Safe" form. It may save some risk from certain types of cancer or location (lung) but it is known to cause oral cancer. Hopefully your tests will show that what you have is not cancer. If it proves to be cancer then you have found the right place here.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.