Hi there;

My mom just showed me a small, blister-like, white and completely round bump on the right side of her tongue. She says it first came about after a dental procedure and she bit that part of her tongue when frozen. Subsequently, she has bitten that side and area a few times. It is hard and painlessbut hurts when she bites it. She claims it might have been there for eight months. Oh and she chews Nicorettes all day. Does this sound like tongue cancer? And if so, how long does it take for the cancer to spread to the lymph nodes?
I am so scared,
Corrie

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hello Corrie

Any abnormal bump on tongue should be investigated by a dentist. In most cases it is not due to oral cancer. The most common cause is an irritation fibroma. (Irritation fibromas are the 3rd most common, 12 per 1000 population, of oral masses and surface alterations in U.S. adults, ranked by total frequency. Ref:Table 1)

A fibroma of tongue is a small bump of fibrous connective tissue that usually forms after trauma, such as from biting the tongue. It is benign and often remains the same shape for many years. It can easily be removed (excision biopsy) and the tissue should always be sent to a oral pathology laboratory for confirmation of the clinical diagnosis. If the bump continues to grow, is painful, or ulcerated, it is very important to visit a dentist as soon as possible.

Hope that stops you worrying. Do get your mum to see a dentist about it.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thank you so much...I feel better. My only concern is the picture really does not look like what my mom has. Close but....it is more white and like a blister you would get on your toe or hand. Her G.P had said it was simlpy a canker, I don't tihink so..not for that long. Thank you for your caring. I am extra sensitive because I lost my father to cancer not so long ago....thank you again.
Corrie