Also I may not have mentioned that next to one of the areas of leukoplakia, there are two tiny and I mean tiny (like the tip of a ballpoint pen) ulcerations. That is what initially got me to go to the dentist and the oral surgeon. They used to hurt and now they don't really. It is sometimes irritated by certain foods and temperature but that's about it. Some days it looks like they are healing and sometimes they don't. The first time I really noticed the pain was at the beginning of February. They aren't really red or white they just sit there. I pointed it out to the oral surgeon at the end of the consult for the biopsy and he noted it but now I am afraid that he won't remove them at the biopsy because they are so small he didn't even see them at first. This is what is really concerning me that it is cancer.
I have been enormously stressed and losing weight since I noticed these and the whole process is putting me into a state of panic. But then I also know that stress can cause canker sores. I just read that someone's doctor told them you can't have a canker sore on your tongue but is that true?
My husband is going through his own health issues and he doesn't like me to worry so when I do he tells me I'll be fine and it doesn't really help me cope. So I've been "lurking" on the board thinking I'll be educating myself. I have learned a lot but I've also managed to scare myself silly. Imagine if they tell me I have cancer! Sorry to rant and rave when I don't even know anything yet. Just needed to get this off my chest. Thanks.

[quote=Chloe]I just read that someone's doctor told them you can't have a canker sore on your tongue but is that true?
[/quote]

That would be news to my tongue!

I know the uncertainty is very worrisome. I went through a similar experience last fall and had an excisional biopsy of a chronically swollen lymph node in my neck and it turned out to not be oral cancer (or other possible cancers, infections, autoimmune disorders etc.) so I wouldn't worry too much until someone tells you that it is cancer.

Welcome Chloe to OCF, listen to the hoardes of actual cancer patients telling you to be calm, it's the best advise out there. I'm a stage 4 oral cancer survivor (celebrating over a year now) and I'm waiting for a biopsy to come back myself. I discovered a lump on my gum line fairly distant from the spot of my primary tumor so I had my biopsy with my ENT today and will have a PET scan on monday (it's been 5 months since my last so I'm due for that anyway).
The waiting can be very hard but until the doc tells you it's cancer, don't worry about it...because it's not cancer until they say it is. Stress and worry only weakens your immune system and promotes bad health. Take things one step at a time and deal with them as they come...it can get way to overwhelming if you don't

Waiting is far worse than "hard". Waiting is HELL (or at least for me it is!) Amazing tho how in retrospect you don't remember the wait.

Chloe: Tell the doctor to biopsy those spots. This isn't a time to pussyfoot around things that are concerning you. Any sore that doesn't heal in a couple of weeks should be checked and even an oral surgeon can't tell what something is until the biopsy. Get done what you want. Be firm and assertive.

ERic: We'll be waiting with you....praying for clear results. Try to stay busy.

Donna

Chloe, maybe the weight loss is from your being afarid of what the biopsy MIGHT show. Until you get the results, it doesn't show a thing.. Eat and maintain you weight.. Believe me it is a lot harder to put weight back on than one can imagine. At the present time, putting weight on is my hardest task . Don't imagine.. deal in the facts.

So I got the news from the biopsy yesterday- NO CANCER- moderate dysplasia. He wants to see me again in 3 months and make sure we keep a very close eye on things from now on. So first I need to let my tongue heal for a few weeks and then make sure I check the area in the meantime for any changes or regrowth. Hopefully I don't need to come back to the site but if I do I will know who to talk to!

I found OCF almost three years ago, after my husband's initial diagnosis of moderate dysplasia (and before the diagnosis of SCC in situ). Here's how OCF founder Brian Hill responded to my first post seeking information:

[quote=Brian Hill]Dysplasia are those cells which are no longer normal, but they are not really malignant yet ... an in-between state, so to speak. Dysplasias also do not always go completely over to the dark side, but they are a step in that direction ... and having them removed, or watched very regularly, is prudent. Dysplastic leukoplakias can often return after surgical removal, many times done with a laser, sometimes via a blade excision. Keep an eye on things even after the removal from now until forever.[/quote]
Sounds like you will be doing just that. I hope all continues well for you!

Chloe,

That a big congrats but do keep an eye on this thing and stop whatever you were doing to cause this including all forms of sex, alcohol, tobacco products including being near anyone using tobacco, betal seeds, pot, mouthwash containing alcohol and of course stop doing or using those unidentified things that can cause OC. lol

I'm so glad for you, Chloe!
To paraphrase Brian, vigilance is the key.
And do whatever David said ... lol.

Marlene

According to David it sounds like we can't do anything fun!!! lol

Chloe, I'm so happy to hear you got good news. Always remember, you have to be your own advocate. Make sure you pay attention to what is happening in your mouth (I'm sure you will) if there is something sore that doesn't go away, get it checked.