Hi Everyone,

I'm a 20 year old college student that's been experiencing some sinister symptoms lately and would appreciate a second opinion.

A few weeks ago my left molars began to ache and I noticed an inflamed lump behind my last bottom molar that was firm to the touch. This was accompanied by a rising fever, swollen lymph nodes and some jaw pain and ear pain. Because I don't have a dentist where I go to college, I called my dentist back home and she seemed very concerned and urged me to get it checked out by a dentist here. However, I was busy with midterms and recruiting and never got to it; I just went to my school clinic where they gave me antibiotics for what was presumed to be an abscess. I finished the antibiotics and the fever and inflammation receded, leaving just a small, hard, whitish lump that's still here today. I also noticed some soft, movable lumps along the bottom of my mouth along the left side that were slightly sore, but didn't think much of them. Those are also still present.

Around 2 days ago, two weeks after the initial fever and swelling, I began to feel an ache in my right cheek. After feeling around, I realized a tender small lump in my cheek right under my cheek bone that seemed to be causing the problem. The inside of my mouth, near the upper back molar is raised, red and inflamed. It has gotten a lot more painful over the last few days, and it is now accompanied by several white ulcers and a painless white patch. A small white ulcer at the back left of my throat has also popped up as well. On top of all of this, lymph nodes are tender and there is some jaw soreness as well.

I contacted my dentist again and she is extremely concerned and brought up "malignant growths." This of course, made me nervous. I am scheduling a dentist appointment tomorrow and would love a second opinion. Has anyone experienced or heard of symptoms like this that lead to oral cancer? Would highly appreciate any insights you might have. Thanks!