Biopsy Tongue

Your test will be definitive and I know the wait is hard. I had nearly the same experience and I was persistent with different doctors and dentists until a very experienced PA in the ENT office scoped me and said he could see a slight un-eveness at the base of my tongue. Biopsy revealed HPV SCC (squamous cell carcinoma). My ENT calls it an "innie" because the tumor grew down and in toward my tonsil. It was early, and it is treatable. Keep us all posted - this is a great community for support and learning how to deal with all the associated crap. Peace be with you.

Yes Mam, the test will be definitive for sure. Do you put any stock in the Surgeons statement? He is the head of the head and neck at Oschner's in Shreveport La. He is the best in this area

This is survivable should the diagnosis come back with cancer. The fact that you may have caught it early is a plus. There will be challenges, but they have come a long way with treatment since I was diagnosed in 2006. Just breath through the process until you know, then set your mind on living a full life regardless of the outcome. Good luck!

Thank you, your comments, thoughts are very much appreciated

Apparently, the presentation of tongue cancer varies. I had a similar experience with tongue pain unexplained show up in the back portion of my tongue several months before a visible ulcer showed up on the left side of my tongue. I saw several health care providers over the course of 3 months with no visible signs of a lesion. By then, I had seen the dentist who took photos and sent them to the head and neck doctor. In retrospect, the side of my tongue had an uneven look, almost a whitish patch area that could be described as leukoplakia that can be pre-cancerous. My first CT scan was negative. However in the last part of the 3rd month the tongue pain shifted to the left side of my tongue and an ulcer was very visible. With a family history of tongue cancer, I had concern all the while of cancer despite not fitting into the category of high risk for tongue cancer. With a biopsy, the tongue cancer was caught early, but it did grow rapidly, and I ultimately had one out of 40 neck nodes involved. The bottom line is not to ignore something unusual occurring in your body. The quicker a diagnosis is done, the better outcome you may experience. I was persistent. I just wish the healthcare system worked faster. Literally watching a tumor grow exponentially was raised my anxiety level off the charts. With having a diagnosis, I could then focus on the treatment plan. Waiting is always tough, but the process will move forward. Treatment for me was worth the outcome, that I am hear to tell you my story. Hopefull, all goes well with you.

Glad they found it early if it is cancer!!!! That’s huge. My tumor was big had spread to my lymph nodes and lungs by the time they found it. I had an extreme regimen of therapy and terrible side effects but after two years finally feel good and am in remission. It’s amazing what they can do. Mayo saved my life!!