usmarine... First and foremost, thank you for your service to our country...

Next, I am 22 years old just like you, I am going through my own stage of fear right now due to a slightly red area in the back of my mouth. I havent ever smoked or drank with any regularity, but I did have a couple of lets say... oral encounters with some women. Little did I know this was not too smart as there are infections you can catch this way that can lead to much larger problems.

Anyway, I just want to say, Ive done alot of research on this and Cathy is right, most times it will be benign, however even if it doesnt this is a very treatable cancer, even in late stages. I know on another board I visit a member's friend had Stage IV SCC of the Tonsil with mets to a bunch of Lymph nodes in his neck. He had a radical dissection procedure and radiation and chemo and 1 year out is doing terrific. And the best news is the earlier they get it the better, stage I has an 80-90% rate of complete cure when properly identified and treated.

The biggest advice you will hear from all these wonderful people, is A. dont rush into anything, and B. If it IS Cancer (I dont like to say "the worst" cause there are worse things and you have to stay positive) to find a Comprehensive Cancer Center where a team of Oncologists and Oncological Surgeons can best treat you.

I hope and pray the best for you and keep us informed, we are here for you!

Ian.