Really upset: Dentist discovered lesion on tongue needs investigation

Posted by jmg856 @jmg856, Feb 14, 2023

Hey everyone my name is Joseph. I’m 35 years old. Just to paint the landscape both of my parents passed from late discovered advanced cancer. So I have some bad ptsd from, really bad. I was at the dentist the other day and she saw a white lesion on the side of my tongue. She ordered a biopsy, and one of the nurses came in and said “you better get that looked at”. In other words it doesn’t look good. I’m terrified I’m going to have lymph node involvement and metasis. So bad that I might just forgo treatment Bc I can’t handle it honestly. I’d rather live a life dying in ignorance that’s how bad I am. I included some pictures feel free to give me your opinion. It was on the tip of my tongue. They cut out all the white lesion and some margin they said. They were beyond angelic humans. Thanks everyone. I’m hoping if the biopsy comes a back positive that they cut it all out.

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Hi jmg856,
I don't blame you for being concerned considering how the dentist and the nurse reacted and having the biopsy. However, from your picture it looks like you have what they used to call a canker sore. They are lesions in your mouth that are white and can be sore. I had them for years and cured them with lots of Listerine; the original one that tastes strong but kills germs, not the new flavored Listerines. Just rinse your mouth with the original Listerine and "hold" it on the sores. It may sting but it will eventually feel better. I'd also follow through with the biopsy results but in the meantime you may be able to cure them yourself before you see the dentist again.
Good luck!
PML

REPLY

@jmg856, I can imagine that you're really upset and nervous given your parents' history with cancer. While this is upsetting, your dentist is right that you'll want to get these lesions investigated without delay. Dentists are often the first line of preventative medicine and can help detect issues BEFORE they become problematic and are treatable. I'm sure @loribmt can share more about the work dental hygenists and dentist do to catch things early.

Some benign lesions (non-cancer) can be virtually impossible to distinguish from cancerous lesions, biopsy is essential. Getting a biopsy does NOT mean you have cancer. This is taking care of your health. Please make an appointment.

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@colleenyoung

@jmg856, I can imagine that you're really upset and nervous given your parents' history with cancer. While this is upsetting, your dentist is right that you'll want to get these lesions investigated without delay. Dentists are often the first line of preventative medicine and can help detect issues BEFORE they become problematic and are treatable. I'm sure @loribmt can share more about the work dental hygenists and dentist do to catch things early.

Some benign lesions (non-cancer) can be virtually impossible to distinguish from cancerous lesions, biopsy is essential. Getting a biopsy does NOT mean you have cancer. This is taking care of your health. Please make an appointment.

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I had it done on Monday excisional biopsy. It was about an half an inch on my tongue gone. If they got all the cancer will I be ok? Even if it comes back positive And thank you I am extremely upset. In shock still

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@pml

Hi jmg856,
I don't blame you for being concerned considering how the dentist and the nurse reacted and having the biopsy. However, from your picture it looks like you have what they used to call a canker sore. They are lesions in your mouth that are white and can be sore. I had them for years and cured them with lots of Listerine; the original one that tastes strong but kills germs, not the new flavored Listerines. Just rinse your mouth with the original Listerine and "hold" it on the sores. It may sting but it will eventually feel better. I'd also follow through with the biopsy results but in the meantime you may be able to cure them yourself before you see the dentist again.
Good luck!
PML

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I hope so the only thing is there wasn’t any pain. I felt great up until my dentist did her job. Im trying to read all the doctors

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@colleenyoung

@jmg856, I can imagine that you're really upset and nervous given your parents' history with cancer. While this is upsetting, your dentist is right that you'll want to get these lesions investigated without delay. Dentists are often the first line of preventative medicine and can help detect issues BEFORE they become problematic and are treatable. I'm sure @loribmt can share more about the work dental hygenists and dentist do to catch things early.

Some benign lesions (non-cancer) can be virtually impossible to distinguish from cancerous lesions, biopsy is essential. Getting a biopsy does NOT mean you have cancer. This is taking care of your health. Please make an appointment.

Jump to this post

No cancer , oral candidiasis major live changing event. I also want to say as we go through this life we meet people for a couple minutes here or there. The ones that show love or compassion with out expecting a return are unforgettable. Thank you so much for speaking and replying to my messages. You
Are
An
Absolute
Asset
To the community

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@jmg856

No cancer , oral candidiasis major live changing event. I also want to say as we go through this life we meet people for a couple minutes here or there. The ones that show love or compassion with out expecting a return are unforgettable. Thank you so much for speaking and replying to my messages. You
Are
An
Absolute
Asset
To the community

Jump to this post

@jmg856, I'm doing the happy dance with you. I bet @pml with join the jig too. What a relief that it wasn't cancer.

Here's more info about oral candidiasis, also called oral thrush, including preventative measures. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-thrush/symptoms-causes/syc-20353533

Thank you for the compliment. I also consider you an asset to the community. With your first hand experience, you will be able to help guide a future member who may face a similar situation. 🙂

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@jmg856

No cancer , oral candidiasis major live changing event. I also want to say as we go through this life we meet people for a couple minutes here or there. The ones that show love or compassion with out expecting a return are unforgettable. Thank you so much for speaking and replying to my messages. You
Are
An
Absolute
Asset
To the community

Jump to this post

jmg856,
That is fantastic news! I'm so glad for you! I hope your tongue heals quickly.
PML

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@pml

jmg856,
That is fantastic news! I'm so glad for you! I hope your tongue heals quickly.
PML

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Thank you so much they kept me awake when they were sawing my tongue off. I kept moving my hand ups and down my legs and moaning doc was like ARE YOU OK I said mhhmmm. I spoke to him today and said I was moaning Bc the thought of you cutting flesh off my was giving me the creeps!! Great people I’ll make sure they get a feedback or survey

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@jmg856

Thank you so much they kept me awake when they were sawing my tongue off. I kept moving my hand ups and down my legs and moaning doc was like ARE YOU OK I said mhhmmm. I spoke to him today and said I was moaning Bc the thought of you cutting flesh off my was giving me the creeps!! Great people I’ll make sure they get a feedback or survey

Jump to this post

jmg856,
That sounds awful to go through! Going to the dentist is bad enough as it is! How is your tongue doing? What can you eat comforably? I would assume mostly liquids or perhaps apple sauce and jello. Do you like V8? At least that would give you several vegetables. I drink a small one everyday for lunch. Yogurt is also a good source of protein and easy to consume with a sore tongue.
God was watching over you with the "no cancer" report!
PML

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