Cryslyn,

Here�s my two cents.

My husband�s symptoms were a painless �ridge� along the gum inside the jaw on one side, then after a few months (5 or 6) it grew larger and eventually started causing pain. By this time it was 3.5 cm long and growing into the jaw bone. It had also spread to several lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. Some nodes under the jaw on both sides were visible just by looking at him. Unfortunately, at that time he had a full beard, so they went unnoticed. He never had neck pain or headaches and no vomiting.

The vomiting is probably not oral cancer related. If the year old canker sore truly is only 2mm by 3mm, then it�s probably not oral cancer after a year. If it is, it clearly is not growing quickly. See the ENT next week before you freak out, but continue to research and be ready to ask questions. You should join him during the exam. When you see the ENT ask if you can record the session. The ENT should have no problem with that. If it turns out to be something serious, you will want to review the ENT�s recommendations and translate the diagnosis from MD to English. Cancer or no cancer, your fianc�e should also see his GP. If it is cancer, there will be a lot of "hurry up and wait."

Good luck, and from now on make him see the dentist at least once a year!
Susan