At my last dental check-up in October, my dentist noticed a white spot (very small - about 1mm) on my tongue that I had never noticed. He referred me to an oral surgeon to have it checked out and I went in November. The oral surgeon asked how long it had been there (I didn't know) and if it was bothering me (no). He said he didn't think it was anything to worry about and did not do a biopsy. The spot is still there, but hasn't changed at all and still doesn't bother me (hurt) or anything. I feel strange doubting the oral surgeon, but I wonder why my dentist would have sent me to an oral surgeon just for him to look at it. I'm also torn, as I really do not want to have the biopsy done (bad dental fears), which accounts for the time lapse between the appointment and my asking this question. I just don't know if I should a) see another oral surgeon, or b) let it go. I have to imagine that my dentist got some sort of report from the oral surgeon, so wouldn't he have called me if he wanted me to see someone else? I'm due for a dental check-up anyway, so maybe I'll just let the dentist tell me what to do. I don't want to go chasing something that isn't really there, but I don't want to be stupid about this either. Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated at this point. Thank you.

Frankly, I would advise being better safe than sorry and seeking a second opinion from an ENT who specializes or has significant experience in oral cancers. UofM has a very good Comprehensive Cancer Center. I think everyone here would agree it is FAR better to catch this stuff as EARLY as possible.

Tim

Heather,

Given the amount of time that has passed since your last checkup, I would definitely advise that you get back to the oral surgeon for a biopsy. Even if it's not cancer (and I certainly hope it's not), it still may be something that should be removed. The general rule of thumb here is that if you have something suspicious that doesn't go away within 2 weeks, it should be examined further and probably biopsied.

The relatively minor amount of pain and discomfort that you would experience from a biopsy is worth it to get an answer on this.

Cathy

Heather,

The small white thing on your tongue could be many things besides cancer, however, the small white thing on my tongue turned out to be cancer. The truth is that no one, no doctor, can tell just by looking if a lesion is precancer, cancer or nothing. The good news for you is that you may be a candidate for a brush biopsy, which is a non-invasive way to find out if what is on your tongue is something to worry about or not. It will tell you whether or not a scalpel biopsy is required. However, since you've had this lesion for more than six months, you should probably find yourself a different oral surgeon and insist on a scalpel biopsy. It is really no big deal and it will answer your question 100% one way or the other.

Good luck -- don't drag your feet because early detection is the key to easy treatment and the best chance of survival.

Barb

Thank you all for your help - I truly appreciate it. I will make an appointment with a different oral surgeon and go from there. I really appreciate your honesty. Thanks again.
heather

Heather,

We are from Michigan and have the ENT my husband used for his cancer treatment. I dont know where you live but he is in Sterling Heights. He deals pretty much in cancer treatment only. If you would like more info email me.

Take care,
Cheryl
[email protected]

Dear Heather,

A second opinion is in order here. There have been many of us mis-dx for many months. Doctors are human beings like you and I. The only way to know for sure is to have the biospy and get a pathlogist report to be sure.
Believe me squamous cell cancer is a very unforgiving diaease. Catching it early will greatly improve both your emotional and physical well being.
You will have many members of this wonderful forum to tap into for information on oral cancer.
Post any questions you have and someone with similier treatment will respond. I have said many times, "Who better to ask than one who has traveled the path ahead of you"

Remember another thing before you get your biospy report, "It ain't cancer til the pathlogy
report says it is"

All my best to a great report and you can put this scare behind you.

Kudos to your dentist for catching it early, Thank him for me when you see him again!!!

Danny Boy