Hello!

I'm deeply concerned for my 52 year old brother who has chewed tobacco for as long as I can remember (30+ years)

A few weeks ago he complained with an ear ache and pain on the side of his neck / jaw area. He went to his family doc and she gave him an antibotic and told him to return in a week.

Today, was one week... and the antibotics did not help, the pain is worse, he saids it feels like something at the back of his tongue...and said it felt like painful swollen glands down the side of his neck.

He has pain swallowing and eating and the diag. of an ear infection was ruled out.

Today, he stated that the doc seemed more concerned and the side of his tongue in the back was "very red" and the inside of his jaw (way in the back) was very red. She gave him another med for a bacteria infection and told him to come back in anoter week.

My brother is worried sick. He is a worry wart anyway, plus our Dad just past away (from Dementia and COPD) and emotions are still very high.

With my brother's history of being a tobacco chewer, I am sick with concern! does cancer have to run in your family to get it? no one in our family has ever had cancer.

Also, what are the other signs / symptoms?

My brother's health is great, he has gained weight, good appitite no other health problems other than the tongue/jaw pain.

Please, if you can pass on any information to better educate me, prepare me, please reply with a post, your help is greatly appreciate.

Thank you!
Cindy

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

Hello CindyLou

I am sorry I missed your post. I hope your brother's tongue is better. Do get your brother to stop chewing tobacco - it is a dangerous habit. You may find this post on chewing tobacco risks helpful. To follow past discussions about this, do a search using the Find button for the word keyword "chewing tobacco". Hope that helps.

Best wishes
Vinod