| | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 | Hello..Wanted to join this forum because i'm worried about a white patch on my tongue..Nothing feels sore..No trouble swallowing or chewing..Smoked for 3 years..I'm 22..It's been a week like that..Terrified about it. Would appreciate some advice  Thank you. God bless. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF! Sorry you have something wrong in your mouth that you are concerned about.
Any sore that has been there for 2 weeks or longer needs to be checked by a professional. I suggest finding an ENT who specializes in oral cancer (OC) or and oral surgeon who also deals with OC. The doc can do a biopsy and send it to a lab to find out what that patch is. Only a biopsy can confirm if it is cancerous.
As far as smoking goes, it looks like you wrote you smoked. I hope you have quit and remain smoke free. There are all kinds of chemical additives in tobacco which can cause delicate mouth tissues to become irritated.
Best wishes!!!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,293 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,293 Likes: 1 | Welcome to OCF. Most insurance these days want you to see your primary care doctor first then get referral to preferred/in-network ENT. At this point, you are seeking more general assessment so I would be comfortable with the ENT you are scheduled to see. Just make sure you mention the ENT should have experience with symptoms you are experiencing.
Don Male, 57 - Great health except C Dec '12 DX: BOT SCC T2N2bMx, Stage 4a, HPV+, multiple nodes 1 tooth out Jan '13 2nd tooth out Tumor Board -induction TPF (3 cycles), seq CRT 4-6/2013 CRT 70gr 2x35, weekly carbo150 ended 5/29,6/4 All the details, join at http://beatdown.cognacom.com | | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 | Thank you for your help..It's been a week but i booked an appointment with an ENT dr...Yes i quit a month ago. Smoked for 3 years < a pack/day! Hope it turns out fine! Terrified! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | Hopefully it's nothing... where is it located... on top of the tongue would be unusual, usually it is underneath, along the side. Oral cancer is not always painful, but the tongue tends to be unless in the early stages. So even if it is then the hope is it was caught early! hugs.
and best of luck.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 | Hey Cheryl..It's on the top of my tongue..Doesn't hurt..I hope it turns out fine. Thank you for your kind reply!I'll let you know after my appointment. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 | Hey Don..Thank you for your reply..I actually booked an appointment directly with an EMT dr (don't want to wait long). | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | On top would be unusual... possibly thrush or calcium buildup... likely not cancer, but do have it checked out and good luck.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 9 | Just an update: I went to the ENT doc today..He checked the back of my tongue/throat areas with his camera and he said everything looks fine and that since my tongue isn't bleeding/hurting i shouldn't worry..He gave me a follow up appointment 2 weeks from now! Just wanted to let you know. Thank you. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Sounds good but I have some questions.
Did the ENT check the white patch?
What did he say it was?
Or wasnt it visible when you went for your exam?
Was this ENT an oral cancer specialist?
I hope it is nothing serious and that the ENT was able to see this white patch. Not all OC hurts or bleeds so Im surprised they said that. Keep the appointment in 2 weeks if its still there.
Good luck!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
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