Hello everyone.

Thank you in advance for reading and hearing me out. I have been lurking in these threads for most of the day today and I've found them to be so supportive already. I'm not quite sure what I'm going through right now; it has been a scary few days.

I'll try to keep my story short and would appreciate any words of wisdom and/or support!!!

I'm 33 years old, about to turn 34, mother of 3. Yesterday, Monday the 13th, I had a routine dental appointment. The hiegenist discovered a lesion on my cheek, back near the right bottom wisdom tooth. She said it looked like "scar tissue" and asked if I had injured myself recently (I had not). The dentist looked at it also and very calmly told me he'd love for me to get it looked at, using the word biopsy. Right then and there, I started freaking out. He told me not to worry, that everything would probably be ok, but that it was better to get it checked out. He said the oral surgeon they have on staff would most likely cut it out (his words). They scheduled that appointment for me for July 1.

I head home and proceed to surf the internet (bad, bad, bad idea, even though it [/i]did[i] lead me to this forum!) I spend the rest of yesterday and much of this morning having anxiety attacks; I was short of breath, I have had no appetite, and my brain is just whirling, going off on tangents, thinking about my kids having to grow up with out me, etc, etc, the whole nine yards (literally hearing a doctor tell me, "I'm sorry to tell you you only have a month to live). If it's a bad thought, believe me, I've had it.

In addition, I've been overanalyzing every little possible symptom that could be linked to the lesion in my mouth. I smoked in college, I was HPV-positive in college (which caused genital warts), I had swollen glands a month ago, I have occasional ear aches, I have a pulled muscle in my side (which I had assumed was just a pulled muscle) but now was assuming was the cancer that had spread to my ribs. Needless to say-- overanalyzation!!

I met with my general physician this morning and she made me feel better by discounting a few symptoms and telling me it could be a list of things other than cancer causing the lesion to appear in my mouth. (Although, she did add to my worry when she asked if I've lost weight recently...I have, about 10 pounds, but I had attributed it to my exercise...now I attribute it to cancer!

I know I sound crazy, but that's how I feel. I told my GP that I simply could not wait until JULY 1 to see the oral surgeon for the biopsy (that was the earliest they could get me in). She referred me to an ENT and an oral surgeon to see if I could get in sooner. They got me in tomorrow morning at 9.

I called the ENT to see what to expect and they told me if the doctor was able to perform the biopsy tomorrow, he would. I'm assuming he will, since it's not that hard to get to.

I'm so sorry this is so long. It feels good to get it all out like this. My husband has been SOOOO supportive and positive and I just told my mom this morning, who has been as well. Please help me. Thank you!!!

Avoid the internet searches!

You have found the very best place for anything relating to oral cancer. Get yourself checked out tomorrow and hopefully it is nothing serious.

Good luck!!

Hi Kelly,

I think everyone here has made the initial mistake of searching the internet and scaring the bejeebers out of ourselves. You obviously see why it's recommended you don't

Just remember, it's not cancer until they say it's cancer! Be thankful you have a dentist that is pro-active in looking for anything unusual.

In the mean time, you have an appointment with an ENT which is the best thing you can do. They'll probably scope you and take a look around.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for a good outcome.

"T"

Hi there and welcome - I agree that waiting that long is not a good idea. So glad you are being seen tomorrow. I'm not going to say try not to worry - its pointless but the reality is it is what it is... There's a very good chance it's nothing but better to have it checked out, - good luck and welcome - I hope you are just passing through...

Thank you all so much for your replies. It's very, very kind of you!!! The ENT this morning was not at all concerned, to the point where he didn't even recommend conducting a biopsy due to the soreness I'd have from it, etc. He believes (as I was hoping deep down) that it was irritation from my erupted wisdom tooth back there. I believed him and felt like he would not say these things if he wasn't absolutely sure. But I asked him to biopsy it anyway for my piece of mind and absolute certainty. He was very kind and willing to do so, even though it wasn't what he recommended. I'm glad I asked him to and I'll have the results on Monday.

I really can't thank you all enough for putting up with me.

Good for you to persevere. Your ENT sounds very patient oriented, but it is still in your best interest to be sure. You definitely will sleep better once you get the "all clear" results.

Having said that - remember to stay vigilant. I am not saying you need to get a flashlight and be checking your mouth every 8 hours, but a check every few days until the pain goes away would be a good thing, and say weekly thereafter.

Donna