I have read in alot of articles that irritation in the mouth can be a cause of oral cancer. Are there any facts to back this up? I have an area on my tongue that gets pretty beat up by one of my teeth and I wonder if it's cause for concern.
Minnie

Minnie,

I've asked a couple of my doctors about this because I've had similar concerns. I know the spot where my tumor appeared was in a place where one of my teeth tended to scrape it, especially while I was sleeping. They seem to discount this and say there isn't any real evidence of a connection, but I still have to wonder how thoroughly this has been investigated. (I've since had the tooth filed down, and I now sleep with mouth guards on both upper and lower teeth -- quite a sight!)

Cathy

Minnie
You know what you would tell us to do...SO GO TO THE DENTIST...if it's nothing fine.. but GET IT LOOKED AT..
Sunshine...love and hugs
Helen

Thanks for the replies Cathy and Helen. I've had this issue since the end of radiation and while it's better it still acts up now and again. We biopsied it a year ago when it started but it came back as chronic irritation from my molar. My doctor doesn't seem to be concerned about it although he has told me to call him if it ever becomes excruciatingly painful or if I ever feel a lump in that area. He always comments on how the area is very soft.
Cathy, I am so sorry I didn't respond to your private message about being in Virginia Beach, I would love to have met with you. My husband is still having issues with his blood pressure and that week was a crazy one. I hope you can come in April for the walk.
Take care,
Minnie

Thanks for the replies Cathy and Helen. I've had this issue since the end of radiation and while it's better it still acts up now and again. We biopsied it a year ago when it started but it came back as chronic irritation from my molar. My doctor doesn't seem to be concerned about it although he has told me to call him if it ever becomes excruciatingly painful or if I ever feel a lump in that area. He always comments on how the area is very soft.
Cathy, I am so sorry I didn't respond to your private message about being in Virginia Beach, I would love to have met with you. My husband is still having issues with his blood pressure and that week was a crazy one. I hope you can come in April for the walk.
Take care,
Minnie

minniea,

I've heard several doctors say that chronic inflammation is the breeding ground for cancer. Although there are many cancers that first may appear as irritation and/or inflammation, I think the statement is too broad to be be true. I bet the area of complaint gets your attention, though, if it hasn't healed in two weeks with treatment!

David