Wanted to post that my brush biopsy came back "atypia" and I was referred to a doctor (oral maxofacial?)for a scalpel biopsy to either rule out or confirm cancer cells. This doctor felt based on "his" oral exam (I saw him twice 2wks apart) that a scalpel biopsy at this time would be too invasive and put me in a "keep watch" mode then sent me on my way. Upon his exam he noted a condition - don't remember the medical term, but is much like getting a scab on a skin wound - my body is putting up a "protective barrier" to an irritant (tobacco) - actually also had an ENT tell me the very same thing a month or so ago. He said if I see anything that I can't scrape off or won't go away on its own to see him again. Because I complained of different (some painful) symptoms (sores - patches, burning, sandpapery feel, etc.) that seem to come'n go in mouth and neck area (painful small lumps), he told me that he tells all his patients that if there is ever pain associated or if the symptoms come and go - it's likely it isn't cancer.

At a very recent followup dental cleaning (had been just over a month I think since I saw him last - he did not re-check mouth nor did hygentist perform a thorough oral exam)it was recommended that I have a tooth worked on because it has a very large filling and xrays showed trama to the root (my dental insurance is maxed out from dental work done in January)- told me to make an appt for that tooth and sent me home with whitening trays which I read somewhere you shouldn't use whitening products if you have leukoplakia(sp) - or most mouth washes due to the alcohol in them. I should note that the brush biopsy was not done in the area where I was told 3yrs ago I had leukoplakia but was an entirely different area.

I didn't make the appt. for the dental work - think I'll wait a bit as this tooth does not bother me. I plan to sneak in another follow-up appt. with a different ENT that I haven't seen in months just to get his take on things since it has been a while since I've seen him in particular.

If anyone knows of any proven/thorough doctors or dentists in the Colorado area, please let me know - often feel like at times I'm seeing the wrong people.