About twenty five years ago I had ulcerations along the right side of my tongue.
GPs and ENT specialists said there was nothing to worry about.

Since then the right side of my tongue has had periods of soreness and then subsided.

Being older and wiser I believe that I was biting on my tongue in the night and one or two teeth that were irregular or sharp before they were either removed or crowned were the possible cause of ulcerations on my tongue.

I currently have soreness on the right side of my tongue, bleeding if I catch my tongue with the toothbrush, difficulty in swallowing, slight hoarseness and can feel small painful lump near where my right tonsil was before its removal.

Doctors and dentists keep reassuring me that there is nothing sinister but I an unable to accept this without a satisfactory explanation of my symptoms.

When I recently mentioned the symptoms to my GP she looked in my mouth but couldn't see the lump. Therefore in her opinion the lump does not exist. I can't see the lump either but can feel it.

I am now feel unable to consult my GP about these symptoms any more as I know she thinks I am being over-anxious.

Can you please suggest where I go from here?

Hello Barry

One would think that if you had soreness from the right side of your tongue and that the area bleeds when you catch it with your brush that you should have an ulcer or raw area that is visible. I would suggest that you see your dentist for an opinion about your symptoms. If you don't have a dentist, yo could ask your GP for a referral to the local Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Unit for a second opinion for your own reassurance.

Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hello Dr Vinod,

Thank you for your reply.

Apart from the irregular shape along the front right edge of my tongue there is no visible sore or ulcerations, it just feels very sore.

I was referred the local hospital's Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Unit by my dentist a year or so ago. The consultant I saw was surprised when he saw some blood in my saliva and said he would not give up on me which, in itself, was reassuring. He also felt the small lump I told you about so he referred me to an ENT specialist as it was outside his area in my mouth! The ENT specialist merely looked into my mouth and said we all have lumps and bumps in our mouths and sent me away. When I went back to the Oral Unit I was informed that the consultant I was seeing had since retired, which was a major disappointment. His successor didn't seem to concerned about my problems so he discharged me.

Do I have to revisit my dentist to go through the loop again or can I contact the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Unit direct for an appointment being as I am known to them?

Regards
Barry

Hello Barry

It would be conventional to go through a referral by your doctor or dentist.

Best wishes
Vinod