My husband is concerned because he had a small sore bump form on the underside of his tongue a couple weeks ago. This has since subsided but has now "moved" (as he says) to his lower gum area in the form of a small, pea-sized lump that is hard and not painful. He has an appointment to see a dentist next week but as most of you know, sometimes it's hard to wait a full week until you can get some answers and some relief to the worrying.

He, of course, immediately thinks cancer while I'm trying to calm him down. Does anyone have a clue what this may be?

Thanks.

Hello jrm

A mouth cancer tends not to move from the tongue to the lower gum. It doesn't subside but gets worse! It could be an infection or transient blocked salivary gland under the tongue causing the sore bump following which exploration of a curious tongue discovered a bump that might always have been there. You may find this link to Examination Technique with Normal Findings and Structures Mistaken for Disease and especially Figures 1.53 & 1.54 helpful. Tell your husband to calm down and keep his appointment with the dentist next week for a definte diagnosis.

Best wishes
Vinod

Dr. Joshi,

Thank you very much for the quick response to our concerns. Now I think we'll be able to sleep a little better at night until the dentist appointment next week!

Thanks again.