I recently went to see an oral surgeon for a consultation prior to having a wisdom tooth removed, as part of the exam the doctor looked at my tongue. He said he could see a small white area on the right side and wanted to perform a brusg biopsy to see if the thing was precancerous.
Within the last 6 months I had my teeth on that side ground down because they were irritating my tongue.
The biopsy was last week and I have to wait until next Wednesday for the results. I am extremely scared right now and would appreciate any information available.

First, go to the product section of the web site and look at the products for dentists. You will find the brush biopsy system described there as well as links to their web site. It

Thank you Brian for the information, I know that I am panicing prematurely but anytime the 'C' word is mentioned most of us do.
I already looked up the brush biopsy on the labs website. Other than less than favourable dental hygiene I do not fit the standard for oral cancer, I am a non smoker, very rare drinker, don't use chewing tobacco, etc.
The only other thing was when he did the brush biopsy, my tongue was ulcerated (sore) when he rotated the brush
I guess that seeing pictures and reading your stories and profiles put me in a position where I wouldn't want anyone to be.
I will let you know how the results turn out.
All of you will be in my prayers.
Best of Luck

Well, I went back to the oral surgeon yesterday (October 15th) to get the results of my brush biopsy. The oral surgeon said the results show 'mild atypia'. The CDx lab said it was up to him wether he did a scalpel biopsy or just kept an eye on it. He decided to do the biopsy. So I had that done and my wisdom tooth pulled (same side). He took a piece of my tongue 10mm by 5mm deep.
on a good note he is relatively sure that this is nothing to worry about, but did say that if this biopsy shows other wise, he would refer me to a head and neck cancer specialist.
The oral surgeon also told me that the brush biopsy lab often send reults out that show carcinoma etc so my 'mild atypia' is little to worry over (I still am though).
Once again I wish all of you the best of luck and will keep you in my prayers.

I am pleased with your results, and again, your doctor is right on. A brush biopsy is only the first tool. Even if it had come back positive for cancerous cells, their protocol reqiuires that the doctor do an incisional biopsy to confirm. So he is by the book right down the line so far. Oral Cdx, when they find dysplastic cells uses different , ambiguous wording in my opiinion. They say something there is not typical. It is usually some type of dysplasia which is the step between normal and malignant, when a cell is neither. Many women have dysplastic cells that show up on an abnormal PAP smear. This means that they REALLY have to watch things, maybe get their smears every 6 instead of 12 months, because you just never know when the two more genetic mutations are going to take place that will take the dysplastic cells over the edge to malignancy....if ever. Please keep us posted on your results. If he finds nothing, I would suggest that you still visit hiim one a year to have that area tested. In that way if anything develops down the road you will be catching it at it's earliest most curable stage. Just think of it as your annual PAP smear for your tonue!!

My thanks to you again Brian, for your prompt and realistic reply. I will get the results of this test on the 29th of October, so will post them on the 30th. I think I can handle a once a year tongue pap smear test. Not too sure that I can handle what you and the rest of the 'club' have gone through though!
I guess, if anything good can come out of this experience for me it is knowing that I have a cause to support, both in prayer and otherwise.
God bless you all.

I just got back from the oral surgeon for my follow up after wisdom tooth removal and incisional tongue biopsy.
I am happy to report that I have a Lichenoid reaction to dental matter or medication, so I am neither cancerous nor precancerous!! YAHOO.
Thank the good Lord!!
My prayers will be with you all,
Good Luck
Steve.

Dear Steve,

WOW!~ That is wonderful news! The very best!

JudyU

Dear Steve
GREAT NEWS
Diane

Dear Steve,

Thats the best news i've heard in a long time.
Thanks for sharing that with us. Good Luck and take care, Daniel