Well, I go to the Univ. Of Alaska Anchorage and im 19 years old. In the past I have done some idiotic things, such as smoking when I was going through a "Delinquent" phase, (But I only did this about 10 times through out my life) and lately I have tried tabacco (maybe 30 times, gave me somthing to do at work during break time with the other employees) My dad has been chewing since he was 12, and he hasnt had any sign of mouth cancer. (But he is extremely active and helps run an academy of Tae-Kwon-Do at a school) To get to the point, I thought I couldnt get mouth cancer because I have sort-of picked up the life style of my dad. Well, about a week ago I noticed 3 white sores on the bottom of my lip. They are still here to this day, and they are very painful. Accompanying this is a small feeling of a baseball lodged in my throat, like if there was just a collection of "snot" that is just accumulating more and more and it is getting harder and harder to swallow my own saliva, and its a totally different story when I try to chow down a anything solid. I looked online for help, but I only got information on how I COULD have 2 types of cancer, and really it isnt helping me much. I come to post here to see if anyone can aid me in diagnosing my problem. I dont really want to see a dentist until i know something is really wrong, and my dad told me I will have to pay for my own stupidity, and not be covered in his insurance to pay the dental bills. I just need some advice...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jin Pak,

Hello Jin Pak

Though you have been chewing tobacco recently and smoked a cigarette occassionally, you are unlikely to have got a mouth cancer! The three white sores on the bottom of your lip could be an infection (viral or bacterial) and the sore throat that causes difficulty in swallowing is most likely be related to that. Most viral infection take about 2-3 weeks to get over. If you can, see your doctor about it. Otherwise, rest, drink plenty of fluids, rinse your mouth and throat with warm salt (only a pinch of it) water for symptomatic relief. Let us know how you get on.

Do stop the tobacco habit - not worth the risks!

Best wishes
Vinod