Welcome to OCF. You certainly have alot of things going on! You are doing the right thing with seeking out an experienced ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer patients. That should be your best chance for receiving a diagnosis for all your symptoms. Hopefully the ENT you are seeing is a doctor who has kept up with continuing education and is up to date with all the newest findings. Twenty years ago a few strains of HPV were not something doctors knew could cause oral cancer along with other serious diseases in healthy young patients that had no other risk factors. Back then a patients age played a big part in the doctors assessment. Todays doctors now should understand so much more about HPV, how common it is and how it can lay dormant for years without any ill effects without the patient ever knowing they have it.

Im very glad you understand our site is made up of patients and caregivers not medical professionals. Its not possible for any of us to diagnose anyone over the internet. This is especially true when looking at the big picture. Our members do not have years of medical schooling, patient clinical experience, complete patient medical history and the patient physically present. Not that any of those things really help someone who doesnt have a medical background.

All your symptoms could be related or they could be just a coincidence too. If todays scope doesnt help the ENT to figure out what you have going on, I suggest asking the ENT what your next step would be to get to the bottom of this. I also suggest asking the ENT if they think all your symptoms are related and what the lumps and bumps you mentioned are. There are many, many things besides cancer that can happen in someones mouth. Its normal for most people to worry and get anxious. The stress can make symptoms appear more pronounced making it difficult to get a diagnosis. Take a deep breath and try your very best to avoid worrying too much. I know its so much easier said than done but I have been there and it really is possible to push the worries aside and focus on other things. Do your very best to stay super busy. Doing things that require your total concentration like reading a book you love thats is very detailed and on a subject you enjoy, start a hobby, do positive tasks to take your mind off things when you start to "go there". All those things will help you to avoid dwelling on the "what if's". By limiting the time you spend on "what if's" it will help you to better mentally handle your situation. It really does work! Ive done this myself for over 10 years that Ive been dealing with being diagnosed, treated and had to learn to live with my "new normal" (life with all the after effects of OC) after beating oral cancer 3 times.

Wishing you all the very best with your appointment today!!! Please let us know how you make out. Hopefully you will not have anything serious. Bets wishes!!!