Hermon,

Not that I'm an expert, but X-Rays will not identify oral cancer. The only sure way is via a biopsy. The first signs normally are sores within your mouth, such as you have described. First tell your dentist how long the sore has been there and ask him about squamous cell carcinoma. Be honest and prepared to tell him if you smoke, how much,if you drink and how much. These activities can increase your risk of oral cancer; however, there can be other factors to involved.

I would suggest you do a search on this site for diagnoses and indications of oral cancer. This site is loaded with all areas about oral cancer and will give you enough background information talk to your dentist. You can never have enough ammunition when you go to see your dentist.

Please keep us posted.

Anne.