John, to add my pennys worth....it's not cancer until they say it is!!! I would CERTAINLY concur with what Christine said DO NOT WAIT!!! I did not and the cancer I had on my tongue has been removed and dealt with by surgery alone. If it is cancer (which of course is by no means certain) then you deal with that as it comes and take it one day at a time (a worn out cliche I know, but it really does work!).

I hope all turns out well for you!

Dx:06/08/07 SCC left Lateral tongue Stage I/II
Tx: 07/09/07 Partial -10% approx. of tongue taken round 1cm x 3cm No rad/Chemo deemed necessary.....ex smoker
07/17/07 CLEAR MARGINS!!!
05/15/10 Sore has returned and will not leave.back to see ENT 05/17/10
04/07/11 Lump on neck.....ENT on 04/12/11