Wow, this thread really has me worked up.

First of all, Sarah, the only way you are going to get rid of your absceses is to either get the teeth extracted or have root canal treatment done. Living with abscessed teeth is a very dangerous thing. The infection that you are living with can travel to different parts of your body and if it causes a swelling in your neck, it could lead to a difficulty in breathing or even complete closure of your esophagus.

Don't get me wrong, yes, you might have cancer, but more than likely the swellings that you are having are related to abscesses that are not draining or at least, coming to a head. The only one that can treat you for these problems are a DENTIST and this should be your first stop. Rule out the most obvious cause of your problems and find out what the swellings really are and get an oral cancer screening done.

I have no intention of even discussing the person you went to that is supposed to be a physician and told you to floss better.

As far as Petey's suggestion of not going to a dentist, I feel that I must comment. He is not the first to make this statement and I certainly know where this is coming from. I am appalled at the number of our members that have had their dentist, hygienist and even their ENT miss their diagnosis. As most of you who know me know, I have made it my mission to try to educate the dental community about early detection and detection in general. There certainly is room for improvement in this area.

But, to rule out dentists as a source of oral cancer detection is unfair and inappropriate. There are many offices out there doing complete oral cancer screenings and one should ask if the office does them, before making an appointment. With Sarah's apparent dental needs, she would be best served getting her mouth in shape, while being checked for oral cancer.

Petey, I am not picking on you. You have my admiration for all that you have gone through so far and what you are about to go through. Your advocacy for the needs of oral cancer patients is to be admired. You have unfortunately, just touched a sore spot that has been festering in me for the last 2 years and I felt that now was the time to let my feelings be known.

Sarah, I hope that you take my advice and find a way to get the dental care that you have obviously needed for a long time and that in fact, you do not have cancer.

Jerry

Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"