Back in November I pointed out a bump on my hard palate to my dentist. It had been there for a few weeks to a month and he seemed fairly certain that was a blocked salivary duct. It is pimple size and does change size - some days it is larger, others it shrinks to barely noticeable. He did say that if it hadn't gone away in another month that I should have it looked at by an oral surgeon. It's been over a month and I'm due to see my dentist again at the end of December. I just don't know what level of concern I should have aobu this.

Hi

As I read your post, all I could think of was the line from the old American Cancer Society ads from the 70's: "a lump or thickening in your breast or elsewhere." I would certainly be concerned, but it's hard to quantify the appropriate amount of concern (I've always been of the 'When In Doubt, Panic' mentality) when this the possibility of oral cancer is concerned. But then, as a tongue cancer survivor, my alarms might go off faster than someone who's not had it. Look at it this way, though: you said you brought this up to your dentist in November. He told you to come back if it hadn't cleared up by the end of December. He must not think it's a dire situation, although I'm certain it's cast a pall on you holiday celebration. (I've been there; I first saw a doctor two days before Christmas for what ultimately resulted in the removal/reconstruction of half of my tongue).

I know it's a hard thing to do, but please try to relax. I won't tell you not to worry about it because I know that's an impossible task.

Julia