Hello all

Vicki emailed to me the following concerns:

"""I have had some white patches in my mouth for about 4 months. I mentioned them to my GP who said he would refer me to a specialist at the local hospital for some biopsys.That was 2 weeks ago and when i rang the health centre today they said that they would be sending the referal letter soon as his secratary has been on holiday and they have a backlog!
Should i be concerned about the delay? and how long is reasonable to receive my appointment.
I am 30 years of age and have smoked for the last 15 years, i am also a spirit drinker.

Am i worrying unnecesarily?

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Dear Vicki

Mouth cancers tend to spread slowly. Only 2% of 2% of white patches turn out to be mouth cancers. ( So, stop worrying, but do get your appointment.) Most white patches are kept under observation for changes (seen at 3 monthly intervals for 9 months) and only if the surgeon sees something suspicious (e.g. redness amongst the white or increasing size), will they will do an excision biopsy or brush biopsy .

Meanwhile you could do something to help yourself! . Reduce your risk by stopping smoking. Cut down on your spirits (a glass of spirits once a week is enough!). Most people drink too much and
a combination of smoking and alcohol increases the risk many-fold! :bomb:

Best wishes

Vinod :coffee: