first of all as some background info; out of the last 4 years i spent the first 2 as a moderately heavy drinker before stopping cold turkey, and the last 2 as a consistent 3 joints a day on average cannabis smoker before stopping cold turkey a few days ago.

now 2 things in my mouth are worrying me greatly.

the first is like a smaller uvula hanging just behind/next to the real one. it's the same colour (that natural mouth red) and about half the length. i've had this for about 4 months i'd guess and it hasn't caused me any discomfort nor has it grown or changed colour or done anything of note really. it just continues to be there.

the other is sort of a lumpy thing at the back of my mouth on the lower tonsil behind the tongue. it's not very visible unless i put my tongue down as far as it will go so i'm not really sure how long it's been there. there's a similar thing on the opposite side but it's more like a fleshy tissuey flatter lump. both are pretty much the normal colour i'd expect for something in my mouth, and again neither have caused me discomfort.

i just don't know what to make of either of these. one minute my brain is telling me that it could all be perfectly harmless and that the tonsil things could even be normal parts of my mouth, and the next i'm in total panic and thinking that i'm going to die or something. i know i should go to see a doctor but the thought of doing that sends me into an even bigger panic at the moment and opens up questions about telling my family and dragging them into something that might turn out to be not worth worrying about. so for now i'd really appreciate it if anyone here could offer up any kind of advice/diagnosis/similar experience/anything.

i tried to take some pictures with a webcam, the quality isn't great but you can get some idea of what i mean maybe. you can see the "second uvula" just peeping out from behind the first in the bottom picture and i've circled the lump in the other: http://img97.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture4ug.jpg

Good morning Mccloud,
It's a bit difficult to say anything about the pictures but you think you may have mouth cancer or you wouldn't have joined this website.
Clearly you are quite worried about the symptoms and for this reason alone you should see your dentist or doctor,not the next time it is convenient because that usualy means waiting for ever,make the appointment first thing on monday morning.Now let's have a look at some of the facts, the first is that cancer is only one of a couple of dozen (or more) reasons for odd lumps appearing in the mouth,many of the other reasons are quite easy to deal with.If cancer is diagnosed early the treatment is not too severe and the survival chances are good, the problems escalate with each day that passes.You are not doing your family (or youself )any favours by waiting,you don't have to discuss your fears with your family at the moment and I hope there is nothing much to discuss after you have seen the medical professionals,so please see your dentist or doctor in the short term.Please let us know how you get on
Keep Smiling
John

Hello mccloud

The images aren't clear but the appearance isn't normal. This doesn't mean the lumps are cancerous growths as there are many other reasons for a growth e.g. polyp, etc. We can't tell you what it is. You should take John's advice and see a dentist/doctor for a referral to an ENT or Maxillofacial specialist for a proper examination and diagnosis. Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod

thanks so much for your replies. after a weekend of worrying i took the advice and booked an appointment first thing this morning. whilst the doctor couldn't tell me exactly what the growths are, she was quite sure that they were nothing to worry about and i've been referred to an ENT specialist for confirmation. how long does it usually take for these referrals to go through?

thanks again for the support, i really appreciate it.

Good morning Mccloud,
Good for you! I bet you feel better already.How long before you see the specialist? how long is a piece of string? I would think about two weeks but who can tell.I will keep my fingers crossed for you,please let us know what the specialist has to say.
Keep Smiling
John