An ENT is an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor or you can go to a Head & Neck surgeon, they overlap somewhat. You should be able to get a referal from your family doctor.

The head and neck is a very complex part of the body and requires a specialist.

I want to know if he saw the white spot, and if so what did he say about it since that was the most significant sign in your mouth? I also want to know if he grabbed your tongue with a piece of gauze and yanked it out of your mouth so he could clearly see the base of it where it starts to curve down your throat. This is a VERY common site for oral cancer to be and if he doesn

Well, hmm. He did none of those things. Just looked and said I had no hard leathery spots and said I was fine. And I dont, just this white spot that appears to be something under the skin.

I do have to go to an orthodontist soon like I said. But I cannot do much by myself untill my mom gets home fom nevada tonight. And then we'll talk about it.

I think I'm coming down with a cold tho- my throat is getting sore and stuff. I'm in no hurry to panic about it, because I'm pretty sure its a cold, as I have had a cough. The last thing I need to do is freak out and stress- thats probably the reason I'm getting sick, because I couldn't sleep for five days and was crying and worrying to the point of throwing up.

But please tell me more about this virus- you can so called 'catch' oral cancer? This troubles me.

I would hate to think my career in counter terrorism will end before I can ever start it.

I thank you all once again for your hospitality and help- this is by far the kindest, most caring board I have ever come across. Cheers!- Kale

search HPV on the main web site and you will find more about the virus than you ever wanted to know. Ditto the completely separate search engine on the message boards. It's a lot of information for a reply post.

Clearly this dentist did not give you an adequate oral cancer screening. That does not mean that you have it, it means that this dentist isn't up to speed on more than drill, fill, and bill......

Kale - Let me applaud you on being aware of what is going on with your body and taking action! What I believe many of your responders are encouraging you to do is take on the next step of self care which is advocacy. Advocacy simply means asking questions and making certain who you have gone to for care has done a great job in overseeing your care.

I also want to applaud your earlier remark about bringing awareness to your peers about oral cancer and tobacco hazards. We need your youth and enthusiasm to spread the word about making smart and healthy choices in life.

Hopefully, you will speak with your general medical doctor, dentists, dental hygienists and orthodontist about how this change in your mouth worried you and the need to screen you thoroughly in the future. I refer to this as the OH DOC approach to life. When you know what activities comprise good healthcare by your doctors, dentists, physician assistants or nurse practitioners than you will know when to speak up and ASK if they missed something. Starting with "OH DOC..." can stop them from walking out the door having only done part of the job!

Good luck to you! Stay well!

Thank you. As of late, I'm not so worried anymore. Friday I go in to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed, so I will have something else to worry about then.

I'm sure I dont have cancer- I've seen a doctor, who (after examining me) was more worried about my back. So thats a whole different bag for me now. Says I have to lay off the heavy lifting and see a chiropractor. I can still do my 2 and 3 mi runs tho. So I'm happy.

Thanks for the support- Kale