I have a lump question. I've read several posts that are similiar to mine, but no one posted how things turned out for them (not sure if that's good or bad!). Here's my situation.

I have a hard lump on the left side of the floor of my mouth, underneath the tongue. It's located in the tissue that looks a little bit spongy and can be seen on top of the back molars if you stick your tongue out as far as you can and roll it so that you can see the bottom of your tongue. When I do that, the lump sits directly on top of my back 2 molars.

The lump is definitely hard, about the size and shape of a lima bean and is hard to get a hold of because it is moves when trying to grab it. It's a little tender and feels sensitive at the ends, like I'm rubbing a blood vessel. The skin over the lump is normal appearance and the lump does feel like it is connected to the vessel/tissue that it is in.

I have set up a doctor's appointment for Thursday so that hopefully I can get recommended to an ENT if needed. I do have a sore throat/left tonsil and I'm not sure if that is related to this.

My risk factors have been smoking or dipping for about 8 years now. Sometimes heavily.

I know there are several posibilities that this could be. For instance, I'm hoping for a cyst or something similiar. I don't know if it could be a ranula because it is not purple or clear and is hard. Has anyone had something similiar and if so, what did you find out. Thank you all!!

Joe

Hello Joe

Hope you are no longer playing with tobacco!

Let us know what your doctor says.

Best wishes
Vinod

Hey Dr. Joshi, I'll let you know what he thinks.

Fortunately, I have given up the tobacco. I just hope it's not too late. I've been about 5 months free with 1-2 weeks of falling off the wagon. Before that I had been quitting and starting back for a long time. I've got a 20 month old boy and one on the way that I'm using for motiviation. So far so good

I know it's not possible to diagnosis over the internet, but do you have any ideas of things I might be describing, including cancer. Thank you.

Joe

Well, I just got back from my family doctor. Things aren't settled yet, but we're working on it. The doctor said he doesn't feel that it matches cancer, but on the other hand, he doesn't know what it is. So he has suggested that I go to my oral surgeon and have him take a look at it and go from there. I asked him about just going ahead and seeing an ENT due to throat and sometimes ear problems. He said he thinks it would be ok to do that after the oral surgeon looks at it (if necessary). He could tell I was worried and told me to let him know if I would like for him to go ahead and schedule the ENT. I said I'd think about it and get back with him.

So here's my question. The main reason for my referal is the lump under my tongue. Does it really matter if I go to the oral surgeon or ENT for this? Is one better qualified than the other? Thanks,

Joe

Hello Joe

I suggest that you see the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon; they are more familiar with things within the mouth.

Best wishes
Vinod