I obviously need help, but would appreciate any commentary or suggestions from those with similar experiences. 44 year-old male, physically healthy, mentally toast. I am now into year four of having multiple mouth pain problems. I see two different ENT's and two different oral surgeons an average of a couple of times per year each. Clean bill of health every time.

The predominant complaint is my tongue feels as if it is swollen on one side (chewing side) and occasionally my speech is affected. The left side of my neck also feels strange, not so much pain, just a sensation of fullness without any visible signs. This used to be very sporadic but now is more frequent and the symptoms last longer. I have regular dental cleanings and have had both Velscope and Vizilite tests in the past six months. I have had a scope run down my throat. I have also had an MRI (with and without contrast), all normal. I drink too much wine and use smokeless tobacco once or twice a week. Literally, I go buy a can, and within an hour, realize what a moron I am for doing this in light of my symptoms and throw the can away. There has never been a visible sign of any kind until two weeks ago. The oral surgeon said that one of the big bumps on the side of my tongue was red and irritated. Velscope showed nothing. He sent me home for a month and said he would look at it again then. He also told me to lay off the breath mints, which I consume by the pound.

Here are my questions:

1. One of my oral surgeons (post-residency was in head and neck cancer) said that cancer will almost always originate on the surface of the tongue, etc. Does anyone have anything to add regarding the periodic pain and swelling in my tongue all this time with no visible symptoms?

2. I have tried to locate a dentist to do a brush biopsy before they hack part of my tongue out for a traditional biopsy and got no response from CDX. Are brush biopsies generally accurate or should I go ahead and bite the bullet?

3. I got the MRI to avoid the radiation of a CT or PET and I have always heard that MRI's are better for soft tissue imaging. Is that true?

4. How fast do these SCC's actually grow? If I get the "all clear" and continue to have symptoms, should I have it checked annually?

I visit this site regularly and treasure the resource. Sorry for the novel....it has taken me three of those years to get up the courage to write.