Hi...it's Corrie again. My Mother's dentist said he thinks the lump on her tongue is a tongue callous or something? Should this relieve me? Now I am starting to doubt our dentist's opinion. She is going for a consultation with an oral surgeon tomorrow. Should I expect any surprises? I guess what I am asking is...do dentists know what they are talking about when it comes to cancer?

Hello Corrie

An irritation fibroma on the tongue can take on a whitish appearance owing to an increased thickening of the surface epithelium much like the callus on a farmworker's palm. A wart on the tongue could also present with a whitish appearance.

I expect that the oral surgeon will recommend an excision biopsy to remove it and confirm its innocent nature. That's normal procedure, so don't worry about why it is recommended. Let us know how it turns out.

Best wishes
Vinod