Not all insurance companies require referrals. I would check with your insurance company to see if you can go directly to the ENT or oral surgeon. I suggest you begin researching a professional to go see. Some ENTs mainly put tubes in kids ears and some oral surgeons deal mainly with wisdom teeth and TMJ. Make sure whoever you see is experienced with treating oral cancer patients. Those physicians will have more experience in many kinds of lumps and bumps making it easier to diagnose.

Unfortunately this could be a hurry up and wait situation. Its likely going to be a good 2-3 weeks, maybe even more before you can get into see the doc. When you call if you are given a date thats over a month out ask to be put on their cancellation list. You can also follow up by calling once or twice a week and asking if you can be fit in for anyone that cancelled. Try not to get overly stressed out over the waiting. Stress will only make this harder. If a biopsy is needed that will take an additional few weeks before you get the results. Since you say you have had this going on for a long time, it probably will not change much in a few weeks.

Good luck!!!