dw,
Sorry, I am just noticing your post. I've been out of commission for a while. We lost my 32 year-old brother to oral cancer about 3 weeks ago. He used smokeless tobacco for a number of years. If you have any questions I would be glad to assist if I can. My sister has done quite a bit of research on the connection, as well. There are 28 known carcinogens used in smokeless tobacco - some for preserving the product - that include formaldehyde, arsenic and even imbalming fluid. I will post a complete list, I just don't have it with me right now. You also need to be aware that consuming alcohol in combination with either smoking tobacco or "dipping or chewing" tobacco increases your odds of getting oral cancer by 60%. The alcohol strips your system, allowing the cancer causing chemicals to be more easily obsorbed. Please keep me update on your health. I would like to know how your biopsy turned out.