#72645 04-08-2008 11:39 AM | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 | I am a 20 yr user of smokeless tobacco and alsohol and have recently stopped both due to recent cancer diagnosis in my family. Since then I am and have been acutely aware of the position I am in wrt oral cancer and recently found a very small bump on left side of my tongue. After surfing the new I am convinced it is the beginning of oral cancer and have a Drs appointment to begin to find out. Just looking for some moral support and after reading many of these and others only hope I have the courage you all display. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 |
Welcome to OCF. There are many people here who can answer your questions and provide moral support. If the sore has been there for 2 weeks or more then its time to get it checked. You should be going to an ear nose and throat specialist. From there you will probably be referred to an oral surgeon for a biopsy if it looks questionable. The only way to tell for sure if its cancer is thru the biopsy. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Best of luck to you.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 212 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 212 | Welcome gmas. My experience began with a bump on the tongue too...a biopsy will define what it is, but know not all bumps equate to cancer. Kudos to you for quitting the tobacco and alcohol, it's a difficult thing to do. Here's hoping that the biopsy comes back negative. We are here for you.
Cancer of Tongue, SCC early Stage 1, Dx 3/13/07, partial glossectomy 4/14/07 found no residual carcinoma and a granular cell tumor with pseudo epitheliomatous hyperplasia.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | WE have a saying here that it's not cancer until they tell you it is so lets remain positive until the results come back.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 7 | I went to dentist today for my annual dental exam and oral cancer screen and while concerned with my history, based on what he has seen he wasn't all that concerned. I told him I wanted a consult with an oral surg. and he did...so now I wait for 2 weeks to get in to see that Dr and get a biopsy done.
davidcpa, you are absolutely right....I wish I could re-program my mind...
Will keep you posted. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 98 Senior Member (75+ posts) | | Senior Member (75+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 98 | Gmas,
You are doing the right and proactive choice in getting this checked out. I know it is difficult, but like David mentioned, it is not cancer until they say it is cancer. We are here for you so post any concerns or questions.
Tom
SCC T4N1M0 left side tongue & 1 node
Dx 05/21/07 42 yrs old
40 Tx IMRT @ 70 Gy started 06/25/07
Cysplatin & 5fu 1st & 4th wks
treatment ended 08/23/07
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 46 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 46 | A gentleman emailed me the other week about the very same thing. Fortunately, his was NOT cancer. Here is to hoping you find out the same thing.
John
Stage 4A SSC Left Tonsil, back of tongue and Lymph nodes on left side. Tonsil removed, Chemo and Radiation treatments completed on June 26, 2008.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 | gmas,
I am happy to see you have stopped using the smokeless tobacco. It is no less harmful than smoking. You have made the right choice in asking for a referral.
The tongue can be an unpredictable organ. Bumps, lumps and sore spots can come and go. If your bump disappears prior to your appointment I would still suggest that you go and let the Oral Surgeon know what was going on and give him/her an accurate description of the area.
Try and keep your spirits up.
If you have any questions let me know.
Cheers,
Mike
Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 32 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 32 | OCF is a great place for support. Write back and let us know how you are doing. Everyone here really cares.
Donna; Age 50, dx w/ Stage 2, muco epidermoid carcinoma 4/07, maxiolectomy of the upper right palate 6/07, clear margins, no radiation or chemotherapy, close follow-ups.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 | gmas Hope that this is just a little irritation on your tongue and nothing more. Try hard to relax and take things as the come. Enjo the holiday with family and friends- your questions wil be answered soon. Kate
Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 /
Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor
Finished all treatments May 25 2007
Surviving!!!
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