#25444 10-27-2002 08:25 PM | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 1 Member | OP Member Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 1 | Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me some information.
Two weeks ago I chewed on my cheeks during my sleep. In the morning, I had sores on the insides of both cheeks. One of them healed that same day, the other is still there. It is quite small and white in colour.
Is there any chance this could be a cancer? I have never smoked, I am 20, and I drink in moderation. I am seeing a doctor about it just in case. If it could be a cancer, does anyone know the probability?
I also seem to have a small indentation or hole in my tonsil on the same side of the mouth. Could this be related? | | |
#25445 10-28-2002 04:02 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 66 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 66 | While it is not impossible for a twenty year old to have an oral cancer, the likelihood is small. First, you know that the original tissue change was from a mechanical source (chewing trauma), and not disease. It could be that in your sleep you have again bitten the still remaining spot and not known it, making it appear to be a continuous, non-healing event, even though it is not. The fact that it has some white coloration to it, is probably just from the abrasion. True leukoplakias can be rather large and have a variegated appearance, and do not general associate themselves with areas of trauma. The tissue is frequently smooth and undamaged. In some smokers leucoplakias the tissue can be rough from the hyperkeratinosis. Second, you have none of the other risk factors for oral cancer. An indentation in the tissues of your tonsil, if it is not obviously a sore, is not red or white, and otherwise has a normal appearance, is unlikely to be cancer either. But you are doing the prudent thing, and that is having a pair of trained eyes give you an informed opinion.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. | | |
Forums23 Topics18,249 Posts197,138 Members13,323 | Most Online1,788 Jan 23rd, 2025 | | | |