Hey, Pickle,

There are some great dentists out there, and many people on this forum owe their very lives to them for discovering their cancer and referring them to the right treatment professionals.

On the other hand, there are some general dentists who don't seem to be as aware of oral cancer as they should be. I am one of those unfortunate patients whose dentist did not recognize my cancer nor know that he should have ordered a biopsy 8 months before I actually had one done.

Pleast take things into your own hands. If he doesn't recommend a biopsy, ASK for one. (shall I say "demand"?) If it's cancer, you need to begin treatment, and if it's not, then you will have an answer that can ease your mind. Black spots on your palate are not normal, for sure!! Being a heavy smoker should make you even more adamant about insisting on a biopsy.

Please write here often. My cancer was on my gums and my hard palate, so I'll be especially interested to hear what you find out.

XO--Colleen

Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!