Hello,

I am new here and found this site from trying to do research, but I honestly dont even know what to research..

A little about me, then my situation I am 38 (39 next month)I have smoked since 15 and about a year ago switched to a ecigarette use alot less and slowly cutting it down to zero.. that said.. I know there are both sides to ecigs, not debating that.. I have 2 kids a 18yr old and a 5yr old..

Last week I took my 5yr old to the ENT for a ear infection, my ear had been bothering me too so I set us both up and where being seen together which would help my 5yr old not be afraid.. I was seen first ENT looked at my ear some swelling (assume unrelated) and I have had sinus and tonsil infections often since 18.. She looked at my tonsil then wanted to get a better look.. theyve been big for years just from several infections, etc.. She said I have a Papilloma? on the right tonsil asked if I had any problems, (nothing I havent had for awhile) she then had another ENT come in and look and scheduled me to come back to have it biopsied on this coming Tuesday in the office (a small piece they said?)

I literally just had the talk of the possibilities of being a cigarette, tobacoo user with my 18yr old that morning, and now I am looking at possibility of having Cancer myself.. I know it hasnt even been biopsied yet so there is a huge chance either way.. but 1% even isnt a good feeling especially being told when your 5yr old who idolizes you is on your lap...

I also suffer from anxiety so I am likely over reacting somewhat.. but.. How does anyone deal with this? luckily its only a week for the wait to be biopsied, but how long does pathology usually take? if it is something I just want it gone and willi9ng to do whatever it takes...

Welcome to OCF! Im hoping this is just a wake up call for you and that you will not need to use the OCF forum. I wouldnt wish oral cancer on my worst enemy!

About the smoking and ecig.....QUIT!!!! Im a former smoker and now I live my life disfigured and being stared at every time I step foot out of my home. If you are willing to do whatever it takes, then throw away the smokes, chew, ecig, lighters, etc and quit for good. For every tobacco user who dies from tobacco related diseases there are 20 more out there just like me who live with medical issues all due to a choice to use tobacco. PLEASE quit now! There are many places to go for help with quitting. I know it can take several attempts before a person can quit, but dont give up. I worked with the CDC's Tips From Former Smokers campaign. Im missing half my lower jaw due to smoking and oral cancer. Here is my photo and bio, maybe that will help you.

ChristineB's CDC bio

It will take about a week to come back with the results. Dont be surprised if you have to go back into the office to get them. Most docs dont want to give results over the phone.

Try to stay busy and the time will go by quickly. Being busy will hopefully keep your mind off worrying. Also try doing things which take concentration like reading or watching an engaging movie. Having a 5 year old probably keeps you on your toes too.

Best wishes with everything!!!

Hi ScaredinMD,

I truly understand your concern. Everyone here has been through that. As many will tell you... It's not cancer until they tell you it is. That being said, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of H&N cancers.

I "was" a smoker for 35 years. I quit cigarettes in '95 and switched to cigars. I switched from cigars to the e-cig in August of '12 when I came down with a nasty sinus infection/cold. Long story short, a swollen lymph node turned out to be SCC Tx N2b MO Stage IV. I'm also HPV positive which is becoming quite prevalent with H&N cancers.

Bottom line is you HAVE to quit regardless of the results. No if's, and's or but's! I know how hard it is. There are times, even now as I'm undergoing treatment, that I get a craving for a good cigar and a glass of cognac BUT... all it takes is a peek in the mirror at the scar on my neck and that urge quickly dissipates. I would think that 5 year old would be incentive enough

Positive thoughts and prayers that everything is clear. Remember... It's not cancer until they tell you it's cancer. Ohhh... stay away from reading stuff on the internet as it will scare the bejeebers out of you, especially since you have no idea of what's going on yet.

"T"

Everyone is different in how they respond to a crisis, the unknown, and anxiety like this, so there are no right or wrong answers. Some find distractions to help pass the time, while others may be in denial or flight, and some who go into fight mode, and try to find out more about the disease.

It depends on the type of biopsy taken, the facility, how long the results are in. A FNAB, done by pathologist, will look at the sample when it is taken, and can tell if its cancer or not, usually. It is then sent for further pathology to confirm or not. An ENT will send it out or to the in- house pathology department, but results are usually in a few days. A scalpel biopsy may take the same amount of time after being sent to the pathology dept or diagnostic center. Sometimes the doctor calls if it's positive, depending on the policy. Good luck with everything.