Hello,

About 2 weeks ago, I noticed an uncomfortable ulcer in lining of my cheek near my wisdom tooth. At first it hurt, especially when I ate food like choclate, bread, bananas. After a few days, the pain eased. But, when I brush my teeth and brush that area, it bleeds a little. Yesterday, after a suggestion, I looked inside my mouth and saw three white patches near each other.
The largest is about 1/2 cm in diameter, and there seems to be a """line""" connecting two of them. The third one is smaller. They are all white.

I am worried about cancer. I recently moved to Holland, and am not very familiar with health care system here. Before, I had a private dentist in London, and last check was about 2 years ago. Should I arrange for tests right away? What other symptoms should I look for?

I don't smoke at all, and drink alcohol rarely. But I have a lot of fillings.

Thanks in advance.

Hello aperson (from Holland)

The white patches near your wisdom teeth could be (1) 'frictional keratosis' caused by chewing the inside of your cheek, (2) lichen planus or (3) lekoplakia ( a tiny % of which could be precancerous). Go to the � Oral Cancer: Prevention and Detection page link on the RDOC website to see some pictures of lesions in the mouth.

Meanwhile (1) stop clenching your teeth together, if you are, (2) see your dentist to (a) smoothen any sharp edges of your teeth/fillings in the area and (b) get an opinion. If your dentist is suspicious, you can be referred to the local NHS Hospital's Oral & Maxillofacial Unit for a second opinion - if it is thought to be a cancer, you would be seen within 2 weeks.
Hope that helps.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee: