5 days ago I had 2 lesions removed with a hot metal probe from my left tonsil. A camera went up my nose and confirmed that there were no lesions on my vocal chords. As a performer, I was pleased.

->Now I am wondering why a biopsy wasn't sampled before burning off the lesions.

I am HPV+ 16 and two other dangerous types.
I was cleared of cervical cancer last month and told to get PAPs every 3 months for the rest of my life.

A growth appeared on my tongue last week so my OBGYN told me to go see his ENT friend. ENT said my tongue was just irritated but that I had lesions caused by the HPV which he had to remove ASAP. I also have a patch of white on the side of my cheek which I should have asked him about.

->I don't know what to do next. I would like to be guided to those that have had OC and lymphoma and what doctor diagnosed them. I have symptoms but I don't know what doctor to go to. My doctor rounds this year started with the psychiatrist to rule out that it was "in my head" then the OBGYN, then the GASTRO week before last who told me to come back in two weeks if I still didn't feel well...which I don't, and the ENT which told me to come back every 6 months. Should there be an oncologist in this list? I am abroad for work so the traditional US dr scheme isn't the framework I'm working under.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Scared and lonely.

Welcome to OCF! Im very sorry you are having so many issues all at once. Definitely not easy!!!

I do not know how health care systems work in other countries so I will give you the same info I give all members by assuming they are in the US. As you know, here in the US it can be a few weeks to get into see a specialist. As far as seeing an oncologist goes, its probably a little too early as there has not been a cancer diagnosis yet. But, as someone who has already had cervical cancer that changes your need for an oncologist. It wouldnt hurt to check in with your oncologist and see what they think of whats been going on with you. I would suggest finding an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer (OC) patients. There are different kinds of ENT's, some primarily put tubes in children's ears, rarely seeing any patients who have OC. If you still have lesions in your mouth then seek out an ENT and get yourself thoroughly checked out.

I would be wondering the same thing about why the tissue wasnt sampled and sent out to get evaluated. Unfortunately, now its too late. All you can do from here is to think positively and take this step by step. Only thru a biopsy can anyone know for certain what something is. Doctors can visually take a look and scope you (isnt that fun?) and feel your neck, etc and tell you what they think it is but thats just a guess... an educated guess but still just a guess. This may help make you feel a little better... there are all kinds of non-cancerous bumps, sores, lumps that can appear in a patients mouth from time to time. Anything that appears in the patients mouth and does not resolve itself within 2 to 3 weeks needs to be checked by a professional. By professional I mean by an ENT who specializes in treating OC patients.

If your mouth is sensitive due to some sort of irritation I suggest a couple things that may help it to heal. If you smoke, drink alcohol or use a mouthwash that contains alcohol eliminate these things immediately. They could be causing your issues. You can also rinse your mouth 4 times a day with a mixture of 1 cup warm water, 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt. The salt can burn your mouth so if you feel you cant tolerate swishing that around in your mouth for 30+ seconds then cut back the salt to 1/2 tsp, if that still burns your mouth cut it back again to a 1/4 tsp. The salt is an important tool in helping your mouth to balance its ph levels and to heal so do your best to leave salt in your mixture.

I hope this info has helped you. Best wishes with everything!!!

I don't know if it reassures you, but my first round with the cancer was strictly surgery. We weren't even thinking cancer at that point, only a sore that would not heal, and my ENT surgeon was going to cut it out to give it a fresh start for healing. He did, of course, have it biopsied during surgery, which meant more cutting while I was under anesthesia, but the surgery was the extent of the treatment for that round. And that was all we needed at that point. So you aren't necessarily in a hopeless position.

That said, you're right to still be asking questions, especially if you have another area you want checked. Get the ENT or the Gastro guy to agree to an actual biopsy, if you can? That's if you don't still have an oncologist like Christine suggested ... that would certainly be a better choice.