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-   -   Lump on Side of Tongue (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=164855)

  • Dec 21, 2007, 04:47 PM
    Joels562
    Lump on Side of Tongue
    I am convinced I have tongue Cancer.

    About 4 months ago I went to the dentist and he hit my tongue with the drill. Shortly after that I noticed a lump on the left side of my tongue. I have been to two different doctors for a total of three times. Two of the times it was with a Cancer Specailist for the ear nose and throat and one time with a regular ENT Doctor. The Cancer Specialist both times called it a Benign Neoplasm of the tongue unspecified and the other doctor called it Glisostis. Both indicating in was not cancer but rather trauma to my tongue, which has caused this. Neither doctor felt the need to do a biopsy.The bump is not to big, but it looks like it is growing and changes Colors a little bit. I also have a white spot on the same side of the tongue about an inch back from the lump. It looks like a Canker sore and My Doctor the Cancer specialist says it is from my teeth rubbing on my tongue. Neither the lump or the white spot is causing any pain.

    Here is my question. Both Doctors only looked at my tongue very briefly. I would say less that a minute each time. Neither doctor did any biopsy's or felt the need to give me any medication, they dismissed the bump and sore very fast. I am really not a big fan of getting a tongue biopsy I heard it hurts. But the internet indicates a lump on a tongue or a canker sore that won't go away can be Cancer. I am very scarred it is and I am worried that the doctors were too quick to dismiss my tongue.

    If there are any doctors reading this, I am very scarred. I am an 40 year old male type 2 diabetic, I do not drink or smoke. Do you see a lot of benign cases like this? It does not seem the doctors are worried, but should I be worried that this can turn into Cancer? Or should I just assume this all did happen because the Denstist hit me with a drill on the same side of the tongue of where the lump and white spot is?

    Thank you
  • Dec 21, 2007, 05:09 PM
    peggyhill
    Honey, no one can diagnose over the internet. I wish it was possible, but it's just not. If you are still worried, see a different doctor and DEMAND a biopsy. The doctor is your employee, after all! Do you have insurance? Either way, they should biopsy it if it is causing you such concern. If the doctor refuses, find another new one. Keep going until you get a biopsy. I know how you feel "I think it's ok" isn't good enough for me either when it comes to strange lumps and bumps on the body.

    It's really good that you don't smoke or chew! That is one thing in your favor. I agree that they should have looked in more detail. The canker sore could very well be from your teeth rubbing, but it is good you are being extra careful by seeking proof through a biopsy.

    It could have something to do with the drill, but I'm not a doctor so I can't say. Perhaps the diabetes is making it heal more slowly than normal? I'm not sure if that's possible or not.

    Either way, you are worried, so keep going till you get that biopsy. The peace of mind will be worth the hassle of seeing all the doctors. Don't worry too much yet. Demand the biopsy, but don't get worked up while waiting for the results. It very well could be benign, but I am so glad you are seeking more proof. Good luck!
  • Dec 22, 2007, 07:18 PM
    flossie
    Why don't you book an appointment with an Oral Surgeon? They are more aware of oral cancers and may be able to put your mind at ease. An Oral Surgeon is one who specializes in extractions, surgery of the jaw, and abnormalities of the soft tissue (tongue). Don't get them confused with Dental Surgeons, your general type dentist.
  • Jan 25, 2008, 05:36 PM
    elvendio
    Hi there I am 37 years old . I actually had a biopsy done on my tongue today and I can tell you it is pretty darn painful but I am sure that the pain will be over in a day or 2.

    I had a small white lump right in the center of my tongue on an off over the last few years and I recently quit smoking (after 24 years) and the lump seemed to get a little larger. I went to 2 dentist an oral surgeon and today an oral pathologist . None would tell me anything other than the only way to find out anything is to have a biopsy done.

    I was very frightened but it only took all of 5 minutes and I was on my way out the door.
    I won't find out any results for about 2 weeks I'm told but the doctor did tell me that she would be surprised if It were ant serious type of cancer.

    She told me that cancer makes itself very known and grows quickly and that is could be some kind of pre cancer but that is not so worrisome. I must admit I am very skeptical and won't really rest until I get my results but anything must be better than worrying about it being cancerous.

    Anyway I will report back here with my results until then I might suggest to have a biopsy done if just to ease your mind. If you do get one done I would ask for something stronger than tylonal3. :)
  • Jan 25, 2008, 08:22 PM
    flossie
    Good for you! Firstly for quitting smoking and secondly for having the biopsy done. If the oral pathologist says it's probably pre-cancerous she's probably right since she sees this sort of thing all the time.
    I'll look forward to hearing your results. Good luck with continuing as a non-smoker!
  • Jan 28, 2008, 06:56 PM
    elvendio
    Well I'm back to update my condition. Sorry if I'm taking over your thread.

    Its been 4 days now and my tongue is a little less sore however my glands below my jaw and going right into my ear are extreamly sore now.

    I am a bit worried that having done the biopsy that this has allowed cancer cell to travel to my lymph system. I'm probbably way off but I had read about this happenig. I wonder if this pain is part of the normal healing process or perhaps something else like an infection.

    Any help is welcome and I'll post back with any updates.

    Thanks for your support flossie.
  • Jan 29, 2008, 04:31 AM
    flossie
    You should call the surgeon who did the biopsy and tell him your symptoms. You may have an infection which may or may not be related. Do you have a fever? There is a lot of flu going around and you possibly have the start of it. Best thing to do though is to call the surgeon.
  • Feb 8, 2008, 02:24 PM
    elvendio
    Well The pain went away after the 5th day and the stitches dissolved. The pain was pretty intense but when it passed it went away completely.

    It has now been 2 weeks and my doctor called me today to tell me good news and that I don't have cancer nor should I develop cancer. I just had thick skin and an irritation and there is no further treatment necessary.

    Hang in there and get it checked out the biopsy is not fun but the worry is less fun.
  • Feb 8, 2008, 06:45 PM
    flossie
    I'm glad to hear your results came back negative. I hope you continue to be a non smoker now that you've quit.
  • Mar 28, 2012, 02:40 PM
    yuryeesilly
    Im Haviing The Same Problm. :( Im Only 15 .

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