I thought I would visit my dentist to try to put my mind at ease - unfortunately it has had quite the opposite effect and I am now even more worried. Im hoping you will be able to make me make sense of it all.

Im not quite sure of the technical terms but on the long piece of flesh under the tongue (frenum?) there are a pair of glands (Whartons Ducts?). On mine, just on the one side there are a couple of red spots/small veins. There is no swelling, enlargement or lump as noted by the dentist. The only symptom is this redness.

I asked if this could be cancer and he said it was unlikely but he couldnt rule it out. He said there were none of the normal signs of cancer, and there were many things which were more likely than cancer, for example a salivary gland stone. He said he was not that worried at this point and he would just keep an eye on it.

The fact that he hasnt ruled out cancer has scared the life out of me - as well as his wanting to wait and see what happens. Im 36 years old, female and in good health. How likely is this to be cancer, and should I push to see a specialist of get a biopsy - even though there is no lump.
Please help

Good Evening,
If your dentist had thought that there was even a very small chance of your problem being mouth cancer he would have refered you to the maxillofacial clinic to make sure one way or the other.There are many reasons why small changes take place in the mouth most of them are very minor and some require no treatment at all.The thing to do is monitor the red spots and if they get larger or change colour see your dentist again.If you are still worried you could ask the dentist for a second opinion, on the question of a biopsy the experts at the oncology clinic would decide if that is necessary.Try not to worry,I know that is easier said than done.You took an objective approach in seeing your dentist ,try and maintain this objective spirit.Mouth cancer is not too common, about 4500 per year are diagnosed in the UK as a whole,mainly older people and more men than women and amongst them are a high percentage of habitual smokers and drinkers but there are exeptions. Please let us know how you get on, I and the other members wish you well,most of us are mouth cancer patients so we know how you feel at the moment.
Keep Smiling
John

Hi John

Thanks for your kind and thoughtful reply - it is much appreciated. I saw my GP today, he thinks it is a small tear possibly caused by trauma - perhaps even me opening my mouth too wide and gawking under my tongue. He said to come back in four weeks and he would check it again.

I pressed him about the chance of cancer and he said it was always a good idea to be vigilant with soft tissue changes as it is always a possibility - cue alarm bells ringing again!

Thanks for putting things into perspective for me - I know Im not in the typical risk categories for mouth cancer but then again I have always had to be different

Im going to try my best to stay calm during the next month - as you pointed out if they thought there was anything serious there at the moment I would have been referred to ENT

Thanks for caring and taking the time to post

Have a great day

Well I just survived the most nerve racking four week wait of my life - and I would like to sincerely thank John Spencer amd Dr Joshi for their kindness, time and keeping me sane during the past four weeks You truly are wonderful human beings and I appreciate your reassurance.

I just got the all clear from my doctor - I dont have to have any further tests, and I am so relieved that after a lot of sleepless nights thinking the worst my nightmare is over.

Since visiting this message board I have read so many inspiring stories of courage, and discovered a community of people who are warm, kind and caring. I would like to wish everyone all the best for the future, may god bless you and keep you safe.

Thanks again