To all:

It's very nice to be able to read a forum and I'd like to hear some thoughts on this subject.

It's early here but I couldn't sleep worrying about this...

Couple of facts:

I used to chew tobacco, from ~1990 to ~1999, the ages of 20-29. I smoked periodically for the year 2000 before giving up all tobacco.

I'm now 34, and I have had a white patch that was on the left side of my cheek. I could feel it with my tongue, but when I last went to an ENT in April or so, he said it was nothing.

On Sunday, just a few hours ago, I was eating and it felt like the area that used to feel just a little raised was now somewhat pulpy and bleeding just a litte.

I've been on the Internet the past three or four hours reading everything I could, and I reached this forum and just to hear someone else talk right now about what my next steps should be would be helpful.

Also, if anybody can tell me whether they think it's likely that I caught this early or not, it would also be helpful. I understand that that is a key component.

I appreciate any and all responses.

Thanks, Bobby

I should mention that this was on the inside of my cheek - basically the lining just below my upper row of teeth.

Thanks, Bobby

Welcome Bobby. First of all, congratulations on giving up all tobacco products! I am not a doctor or nurse, but raised a similar concern to my ENT at my 16 mo visit last week. His take was to keep an eye on it and let him know if it hasn't gone away in two weeks. Has the white spot remained in the same place the entire time and this is a change in it? Then I would call my ENT.

Sincerely,
Lisa in Ks

It's sort of where the old bump is but I can't see the old bump anymore - it's all kind of one.

I'm waiting until 8am to call the doc, but not a second longer.

Thanks, Bobby

Bobby,

Welcome to OCF. It's good that you're continuing to watch for warning signs, especially since you've used tobacco in the past. As Lisa said, the "two-week" rule is a good guide -- if something hasn't healed or gone away in that time frame, it should be looked at very carefully.

Unfortunately, I had a couple of doctors who told me repeatedly, over many months, that the growing spot on my tongue was nothing to be worried about, and they turned out to be wrong. That's not to say that yours is cancer -- but if you've had something suspicious there since April, it should be examined and probably biopsied at this point.

Please stay in touch with us and let us know what you find out.

Cathy

BobbyB

Just take a moment to get your breath, yes have it checked. Sometimes you have to be the one to say do a biospy or what ever you think you need to have done. My ENT did surgery to remove the tumor on my tongue, but didn't think a hard lymph node was anything to worry about. I had to say no we will not leave it alone and wait. They turned out to be 3 nodes w/cancer. You know your body best, if there is any question about what it may be stop worrying and insist that someone do something. Everthing is most likely fine but why worry just get it checked.

Hi Bobbie,

We have an old saying on this website," It Ain't Cancer Til They say it's Cancer"

You have to be your own advocate on this issue. I would go see another ENT and request a biospy asap. It may be nothing but with this type of cancer you want to know as early as possible.
There have been several postings where the scans
missed it only to be found later. This is a most nasty diaease!!! Remember you as of now don't have cancer.

Good luck with what you decide and please let us know how it turns out.

Hi Bobbie, please remember there are lots of things that this could be besides cancer. It is sometimes very difficult for a medical professional to make a diagnosis by just looking, so you should try your best to not worry unless you have have a reason to worry. On the plus side you have stopped tobacco use and that is great. After your appointment with the doctor let us know what is going on. We'll rejoice for you if it is not cancer, we'll support you if you need it.

Take care

I went to the ENT this morning.

He said that he didn't think it was anything, but that you could never know for sure.

He said that it looked like I had been biting it a bunch (maybe when I was sleeping?) and gave me a prescription for an antibacterial mouthwash and wants to see me back in two weeks.

He said that if it is anything, then it is very, very early in the process, enough that likely all that would be done is removal of that inside part of the cheek.

He did not want to biopsy it, but said that if I wanted, he could surgically remove it today, but he suggested against that route.

Anyways, I'm going to listen to his advice and wait this out. I may got get a second opinion, but that may be obsessive.

I really appreciate the responses and the courageousness of those on this board is awe-inspiring.

Thanks, Bobby

Bobby
Glad to hear it isn't scaring the doctors. But for piece of mind I would consider a biopsy. That's the true indicator and since its on your cheek its easy and painless to do.