Sandra, I not sure what I can add here, but let me give you my experience. I was biopsied three times in nine years and told that the areas were pre-cancerous. But dumb me, just continued on with my life style thinking "Hey, it is not cancer." I will admit that I tried four or five times to quit smoking and then something would upset my life, and I would start again. By the way it was always the same two spots, left side of my tongue and the right floor of my mouth. I would push off my check ups and when I finally went in July of 2000, my doctor told me the places looked angry again, and I went in for my fourth bio. This time it was cancer not just pre-cancer. So there for the operation in September of 2000. I'm not sure if this helped, but if you want to write me direct my email is [email protected]. Keep the faith and all will turn out well. Take care. Anne.