I had been using chewing tobacco about a month before yesterday. I now have a little bump on the back of my tongue and I'm just really worried of what it could be. I'm a college student, 19, and have had eating disorders in the past and do eat alot less than I know I should. I take vitamins and all that but I'm just worried that from not eating and getting enough energy that maybe somehow I was more of an easy target for cancer. The little bump is in the far back top(to the left side)of my tongue. I did have some hot coffee yesterday though too so that could of had part to do with it too. Now if I brush it with my toothbrush it bleeds though and I'm just wondering if this is something I should be really worried about or is it just a short term tobacco user happening or just from the hot coffee? I know for sure I'm never touching tobacco again. I don't think I've ever been so worried. Thank you all for any help.

hi jake
at your age i shouldnt think there is anything to worry about ...... but do give up the tobacco and definately see your doctor to get checked out

The thing is that I'm at college and my doctor is 300 miles away and my insurance company doesn't start in until the 23rd of January. The earliest that I could get in for a check up here was Feb. 24th and I don't know if I'd want to wait that long to have it checked. Would it be a bad thing to wait 2 weeks to see if it goes away because today is my first day after quitting chewing so yea. Should I wait the 2 weeks? I burnt my tongue too so it could be that. I'm just really worrying alot over this I guess. I just worried alot I guess because I really don't eat as much as I should and I know that it's not good for me. I've had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and eating disorders and high anxiety all through my life so I worry alot about things. I know that there are people in like the poorer countries that probably don't eat very much, probably less than I do even, and chew and smoke and live to be fairly old. I don't know if that would make a difference and whether or not cancer would ever set in this quickly. I had smoked off and on too before chewing for a little while-like off and on for a year maybe, not even daily. I am definitely done with both for good now. Going through withdrawal can't be as bad as having to worry about life and death... Thanks for the quick response too.

Hi Jake

Calm down, take it easy and wait the 2 weeks if you feel you can - I'm sure that it's possible to go private (at your own expense) if you are really worried. In all probablity it's a reaction to the "alien" bodies that you have been introducing to your system - a good reason to stop doing that, I would think - but hey it's your body.

Good luck

Pete