I noticed an ulcer in the back of my throat this past summer when I had a cold and was checking my throat to see if I had any indication of strep throat. When I went to the doctor he too told me I had an ucler, but didn't do anything else to investigate it any further. After seeing three more doctors (all of whom told me not to worry, but to come back if it wasn't gone in two weeks) I finally made an appt with my dentist. He too said it didn't look like anything to worry about (he said his own dad has throat cancer and that this didn't look anything his dads did), so he told me to come back in two weeks if it didn't heal. I was beginning to think I was nuts as I really don't think half the doctors or my dentist actually saw what I was seeing as the dentist even said he noticed the red patch, when in fact, it's white, it is an ucler. Three weeks ago I went to the ER for vomiting blood (I had spit some up a few days before vomiting it)where an endoscopy was done. The biopsies from it came back normal. When I went to the gastroenterologist for the follow up appt and test results, I asked him if he noticed the ucler in my throat and he said no, that he looks further down inside, so he didn't see it either. I was diagnosed with grade II esaphagitis, gastritis and a sliding hiatal hernia, which he said is probably what caused the bleeding. I was given a medicine for this and after taking it for two weeks and still seeing no improvement in the ulcer in my throat, I went back once again to my dentist. this time he said he couldn't see it (I think he only said he could the first time to appease me), so he gave me a mirror to see if I could look in it and then point out to him where it was, which I did. It isn't visible when I stick my tongue out which is probably why he and the doctors never could see what I was talking about. He did see it this time and told me that since I was a previous drinker and smoker that he would call an oral surgeon that same day and put in a referral for me. He told me that he would biopsy it when I go in. He told me that it was probably nothing to worry about, BUT.....that if it is cancer, it would be good to catch it early. Needless to say, I am very upset, at both all the doctors and my dentist who I had seen in the past about it, and at myself for not being more persistent. I am terrified about the biopsy and I'm tired of waiting and worrying. Everything I've read online paints a dismal picture. I've had this ulcer since early July and have fear that if it is cancer, that it's spread since then. I've also had night sweats (both day and night) where I sweat profusely and then get cold chills right afterward. My doctors told me these were signs of menopause. I'm 48 years old, have smoked for over thirty years, and used to drink heavy. I'm also afraid of how they will do the biopsy, as my dentist told me that because of where the ucler is, they may have to put me completely to sleep to get to it. I cannot even swallow a pill and am petrified of the thought of a tube being inserted into my throat. When I was in for vomiting the blood the doctor tried to insert a tube down thru my nose into my stomach to suction out the blood and he said I couldn't have any sedation while doing this. After two tries and my tearing the tube out, they gave up, admitted me and then sedated me the next morning and did the endoscopy. Right now I am so afraid that I almost want to ignore it and pretend it's not even there, as crazy as that sounds. Because if it is cancer, because of the fact that it's been there for five months (and maybe even longer) I'm afraid it's spread and I feel hopeless. So, if anyone out there has something to make me feel more hopeful, please let me know.

Hello Shelley, Welcome. Try not to worry for now, the report after the biopsy is tough to wait for. If it turns out to be cancer you have a great resource here. It may be of some comfort to know that many of us went for several months until proper diagnosis. While it is better to get an early diagnosis, you will still have a fighting chance (assuming it is cancer)

The biopsy procedure is usually not a big deal.

For now imagine that it is one of the many other things that aren't cancer.

Dear Mark, thank you for your reply and kind words of encouragement. I went to another doctor today and she said she couldn't see anything unusual, but she said she would put in a referral with an ENT doctor if I wanted. YES.....PLEASE do! It's so exasperating when I KNOW there's something there that shouldn't be there and the doctors can't see it. One doctor and my dentist do see it, so I know Im not crazy. In the meantime the oral surgeon my dentist told me to see for a biopsy, called today and made me an appt for the biopsy for the 11th of this month. I was told not to eat before it and to make sure I have a driver with me as I'll be sedated for the procedure. I'm not sure if our insurance will cover this oral surgeon though, so if the ENT doctor calls with an appt before the oral surgeons, I'll go with him. If not, then I'll pay whatever it costs, when it comes to our health, no amount of money is too much to pay. I'm praying that everything will turn out fine, and if it does, I'll still be very thankful for finding this website, it's made me a lot more aware of the dangers that come from smoking and drinking, and it's given me a lot more compassion for people who are fighting cancer. I was amazed at how young you and a lot of the other people on this site are, and blown away at how strong and courageous and positive most of you seem to be. You're all in my prayers....Shelley

Hi Shelley,

A suggestion if your insurance doesn't cover your oral surgeon...

My health insurance wouldn't cover my oral surgeon, he wasn't a member of the network. The benefits rep in the human resources department where I work called our dental insurance and was able to verify it would be covered by them. So if one doesn't work, try the other! Like you, I was willing to pay my oral surgeon myself if I had to just to get it taken care by someone my dentist highly recommended.

Hope all goes well for you.

Sincerely,
Lisa

Dear Lisa, thank you for your reply and info about the insurance. My husband is going to try to call our insurance (tricare prime...retired military dependant here) to see what they have to say. I'm confused about which specialist is best to see? An ENT surgeon or an oral surgeon? Who do the majority of folks go to with this? and what kind of specialist does the surgery if needed? I've a million questions rolling around in my brain, but I'm trying to keep a positive attitude at the same time. My sister got upset with me when I told her I came onto this website. Her way of dealing with things is to ignore them until she does have a sure answer. Guess I'm not like her, as I'd rather be prepared for the worst, and then if I get the best, it makes it all that much sweeter. And like I said, reading about all you people in this forum have been thru and still keeping such an upbeat attitude makes me feel better. You are all amazing in my opinion. You're all in my thoughts and prayers now too. Shelley

An ENT or Head & Neck surgeon at a comprehensive cancer center is your best bet.
See http://www.nccn.org/

I had an experienced dentist, oral surgeon and family doctor misdiagnose me. I paid out of pocket for the ENT for my original Dx.

If it IS cancer, early detection is critical. The lower the staging the higher the surivability.

Hey Gary, thanks for the info...I noticed there are a few hospitals in Ohio, which is where both my husbands and my families live. One of them is even doing a few trials. I still haven't heard back from the ENT doctor here for my appt....was told if they didn't call by friday to give them a call. This waiting sure isn't easy. But at least I found someone (my dentist) who finally could see what I have seen all along. I was beginning to wonder if I wasn't crazy?! I did have to laugh when the oral surgeon who set up an appt for me told me to make sure I brought a driver as I'd be drugged up when I leave. My husband said he'd go with me, I said that will be like the blind leading the blind home.....he recently lost his vision in his left eye due to a pituitary adenoma, will be going in for his seventh surgery soon....a cranitomy, but the good news is this type of tumor is not cancerous. When it rains, it pours, my sister in law is being checked for bladder cancer this week, and my mom is having surgery tomorrow. And I wonder why I'm losing what little is left of my mind?!! One good thing about it all is that you learn not to sweat the small stuff! have a good day! shelley

Well, I just got a call from the military doctor, but it was an oral surgeon and not an ENT like the doctor told me she was going to refer me to. They told me to go in tomorrow and at this point I'll take whatever comes soonest...if the biopsy isn't good, then I will be more choosey with who I see, for now though, I just want an answer to my worries. Shelley

Hi Shelley,
When they biopsied me they sprayed a topical anesthetic in the area and took out 2 small snips with a scissor like instrument. There was some very minor and tolerable pain afterwards for a few days. No big deal. My tumor was 6cm x 3cm and readily visible (it was protruding into the back of my throat - actually choking me, making it even more strange that 3 health care professionals couldn't figure out what it was -this being the reason I have just a little passion about going to the most qualified doctor. My family doctor took the time honored "process of elimination" route which costs time and staging. The ENT took one look and knew immediately what it was. In all fairness to the doctors, I had my own denial issues going on also.

Not knowing or seeing your "region of interest" (ROI) I don't know what is involved in your biopsy or why they would suggest general anesthesia but at least least you won't feel anything ;-) The last time I has anesthesia at an oral surgeon they gave me and IV of sodium pentathol which knocked me out for quite a while - you should have a designated driver if that's what they give you.

Welcome to the "...little is left of my mind club" I think that we are all there to one degree or another (just ask my wife LOL). Don't forget that eventually the rain has to stop and the sunshine will come out again.

Hi Shelly,

When I had the tumor on the larnyx, they knocked me out because that was the only way they could get to it. It was hiding in a fold. The procedure is no big deal. They put in an IV, wheel you into OR, give you the anesthesia, and a half hour later you are in recovery. You will need a driver or they won't do the procedure. I was a little groggy for a few hours, but otherwise had so other side effects.

Take care,
Eileen