I came across this website while researching oral cancer. I have a white blister like thing on my lower gum in front of my front tooth. I don't know how long it has been there. I am very paranoid of getting any cancer. I lost my mom 2 months ago to pancreatic cancer, she had previously survived breast cancer, and uterine and cervical cancer so this was her third cancer. Cancer is all I can think about and that is why this white bump scared me to death and I went on this site. I smoked for 21 years and quit just 2 weeks ago because I do not want to end up like my mom.
So I am here to say hello, introduce myself in case this white blister type thing turns out to be something and to ask your opinion of this white bump.The bump does not hurt at all, also it might help to mention that a few weeks ago I was on antibiotics for strep throat and I figure if that bump was due to an infection caused by tooth decay the antibiotics should have taken care of that but it did not. I made an appt with a dentist but the earliest I could get in is October.

Hi - October won't do - especially for your peace of mind and more importantly your health. When you made the appointment did you tell them it was an emergency? if they thought it was just an ordinary follow up that would explain the delay.

Forget the dentist! Make an appointment with an ENT or head & neck surgeon as soon as you can. It may be nothing but you really want to have peace of mind about this, especially after watching what your mother went through. Bumps that don't hurt and don't respond to antibiotics after two weeks need to be examined by a specialist. If it is cancer you want to deal with it while it is in an early stage. Time is of the essence.

Congratulations on quitting smoking.

Welcome to OCF forum. I'm in total agreement with Gary. Please seek the consultation of an ENT. Anything in your mouth area that doesn't heal within two weeks is cause for concern, not panic, but concern.

Is Canada's healthcare system so backlogged that you can't even see a dentist for several months? I know another user of this site from Canada who has had to wait several months for routine tests and scans. I feel so sorry for her. The disease is rough, but the waiting can become the worst part of the disease.

We're here to help in any way we can.

Plese keep us posted,
Lynn

Shirlock3, you are getting good advice here. First thing tomorrow morning, open the phone book and start calling ENTs until you can get an appointment soon. When you call, tell them you have a bump on your lower lip that did not respond to antibiotics, and that you are worried it may be oral cancer. That will get their attention. Then you can know one way or another before you wear yourself out worrying. It may well be nothing, but if it is cancer, you want to get to treatment as soon as possible. Time matters here! And please accept my hearty congratulations for not smoking any more. That was one very smart move on your part.

Time is the only thing you have on your side now. Use it & get into see an ENT. Most dentists aren't trained well in cancer detection. If it is cancer your ahead of the game hopefully. If it isn't cancer, you'll have peace of mind & deal with whatever it is sooner than later. Wish you the best & hope you don't join our club, but if you do, we're here for you!

Shirlock3,
My two cents worth too: do get it checked asap. I know how hard it is, I waited a month with a lump at my neck, not wanting to consider the possibility of cancer. I never even said the word until the doctor told me what it was. I hope your will turn out to be a false alarm. But it is an alarm, and you have to demand that you get attention.
I hope you'll have good news. Let us know>. And I am so glad you stopped smoking. You addad years to your life, and to your quality of life, regardless of what the bump turns out to be.
Leena

Shirlock3,

Welcome to your community. I am really sorry you are having to deal with this while your pain is still so fresh from your mother's passing. I know how rough pancreatic cancer is and I am sorry your mother lost her battle.

As everyone else is telling you, do not waste time worrying about what it might be. Push forward and get a positive diagnosis through biopsy so you can rest. You have already had to endure so much, just take charge and find the proper doctor.

I wish you the best and I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing.

Ed

Welcome Sherlock3,

"It Ain't Cancer Til They Say It's Cancer"

I agree with Gary that you need to see an ENT ASAP. Most of all oral cancers are not caught until the late stages. (3 & 4) I would see my primary and ask (demand) to be referred to the ENT right away. The earlier you catch it if it is cancer the BETTER!
For your own piece of mind October is way out of the question. You must be your most agressive advocate in how this is handled.

Best wishes, Welcome to the board and please keep us posted. We love to hear good news!!!

Dan

Please get to an ENT asap. You do not want to deal with this stuff if at all possible. The kind of cancer we are dealing with here is no picnic. If caught early enough it can be treated and with good prognosis, if you put it off it can be a monster. Hopefully it is nothing and until they declare it cancer it is not, but please don't delay a checkup.