Yesterday my dentist told me she thinks I may have cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions on my lip. A few hours later I had a brief meeting with a surgeon about having the lesions biopsied and my wisdom teeth yanked. He looked at my mouth for all of two seconds and scheduled my surgery.

The speed with which this has all happened is frightening to me. I realize that that speed might save my life, but it seems something must be very obviously wrong in my mouth for me to get that appointment with the surgeon so quickly. All I can see is a whitish dot about the diameter of a #2 pencil lead and a few pin prick sized bright white dots here and there on my tongue and lip.

I could use some hand holding; I am very alone and have no idea what I need to be doing. What questions do I need to be asking the doctors? I think I was too shocked yesterday to think of any. And today I'm in a brain fog from nicotine withdraw, so my "research" isn't getting me very far.

Also, I'm uninsured in the USA. Has anything useful gone into effect regarding health care reform? I can pay for the biopsy but after that, I'm almost out of money.

I know that feeling - waiting for the biopsy. Whatever happens, you are fortunate to have such an alert dentist. It might be nothing. If it is cancer, you will have caught it early.
This site has excellent info on oral cancer so you need look no further. I tend to think you should wait for a bit though. Wait until your biopsy. You will get a lot of support here and will never be alone if it is cancer.
From my personal; experience, white dots can be a number of things so don't panic. Try to do things you enjoy until you have the results. Good luck!

What is the surgery you are scheduled for? A biopsy? Or is it to remove what they see? Please remember a surgeons job is to cut. Once they cut something out it cant be replaced.

A second opinion would be a very good idea. If the sore has been there for over 2 weeks and hasnt healed then it should be checked. Normally an oral surgeon or an ENT do the biopsies. If I were in your situation, I would look into going to cancer center.

Best of luck.

I saw my team of Drs at Ohio State Arthur G James CCC one day and 2 days later was having surgery on my tongue, neck dissection and a tube put into my neck. I liked the speed of things because I had no time to worry except for most of my family having to drive 2 hrs to visit me. Really, I think having things speeded up saves a lot of mind problems about the what-ifs and maybes. Good luck with everything you will go thru in the upcoming months.

I too was uninsured. Since I was not going to be disabled for over a year I could not get any assistance.
My hospital provided great treatment, now I am left with $70,000 in bills. Get treated if you can then worry about paying.
The drug companies gave me chemo for free. I make too much money for the hospital's foundation, but they offer help to some. Your MO should have a social worker that can help you fine what assistance is availible.
The only doc that will not see me is the ENT who wants cash up front.

Pooh, consider your hands held by all of us. Take a deep breath, wait for the biopsy and let's tackle the next step then.

Courage!
David 2

Everyone here at OCF is wonderful. You've definitely come to the right place for answers. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the biopsy comes back negative.

My appointment went very fast as well. I met the surgeon and 6 days later had my surgery. Like Jim said, I didn't have too much time to think about it and then it was done.