Perhaps someone had had symptoms similar to mine and can give me some information. Approx 8 weeks ago I noticed small white spots on the right side of my tongue that grew very painful and after about 5 days they subsided and dissapeared. This was followed by the same thing on the left side of my tongue. They too dissapeared. I had a dentists appointment during this time and I told the dentist of my problem, also that I noticed the right side of my face was tingling and it felt like a novocaine injection wearing off. He didn't seem concerned and said it was herpes. I was stunned as I have never had a cold sore in my life. 3 weeks passed and the numbing of my face had not gone away, if anything it got worse. Although, I wonder if I am feeling that it is worse because I am so stressed out about it and I worry about this all day. I am online and have seen so many scary things, salivary gland cancer, acoustic neuromas, brainstem cancer etc. The sores in my mouth have not come back. I went to my GP and gave him all the above info and he said I had a sinus and ear infection. I don't know how as I have not had a recent cold or plugged nose or any symtoms of an infection. Also, how could the dentist tell if it was herpes without taking a swab and testing for it. I go back to my Dr. this afternoon because I have finished the 10 days of antibiotics. The numbing on the right side of my face is no better, in fact its worse. I have a vague feeling of fullness in my right ear and also a vague pain in my ear. I am permenopausal and am on progesterone cream. Otherwise no health problems to speak of. I want my Dr to refer to an ENT but even that will be a month wait or more. Should I go to a private MRI facility and get one done right away or do you think I can wait. I am so scared I can't think of anything else but cancer.
I lost my husband to cancer 5 years ago and I admit that I do worry excessively over anything that pops up. I am 48 years old. Thank you

Hello Anna

Mouth cancers don't present in the way you describe, so relax. Several viral infections can cause sores in the mouth/tongue and some of them also affect nerves (e.g. causing facial palsy, herpes zoster, etc) and so a viral infection could be responsible for the numb sensation. The stress could also be causing you to become tense ; clenched facial muscles can add to the symptoms (e.g. fullness/pain in ear)you are feeling.

I suggest you relax; my advice on bruxism and clenching might help you. Ask your doctor for referral to the ENT specialist if things don't improve in a couple of weeks. Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod