 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi BiC,
A further explanation of what Gary said is that you "may" have amalgam tatoos in your cheek. This can occur when an amalgam (silver) filling is being removed from your tooth and the cheek tissue is scratched. The small particles from the amalgam can become embedded in the cheek during healing and cause a permanent stain. These may have been there for years and you might not have noticed them. Or, perhaps you recently had a filling changed.
It is wise to get them checked in order to rule out cancer as oral cancer can manifest itself as a dark area. Most dentists have seen amalgam tatoos and can tell by their appearance and texture if that is what you have. A biopsy may very well be indicated.
Please let us know what you find out.
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"
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