Hi,
I have a concern about Oral Cancer, my uncle died at the age of 43 last September(although we are not blood related, he married into the family) from it and I always joked about having tongue cancer before he was diagnosed with it because of my tongue pain(not that it's a laughing matter). I do plan to go to the doctor has soon as I find my medical card.
About me and my problems, I am a 20 year old white female, a bit unhealthy as far as diet and exercise, although I made a "lifestyle" change as of the first of the year and I have not had fast food, soda, or candy since and exercise(walk 30 mins- an hour) a day. I am trying to improved myself.
I would say that for the past three years(I know quite a long time) I have a pain in the right side of my tongue. It wasn't a daily thing, but at least once a week. About two years ago I had my tongue pierced(by a professional). One I wanted it, two I thought I was bitting my tongue when I was sleeping(although the pain is generally later in the day not the morning). It didn't make a difference with the pain, and I know I don't chew my tongue because it is very difficult with the tongue ring in. It is always in the same side and general area(the right middle-rear on my tongue). It never really bother me until a few days ago when it started to be a daily thing. I examined my tongue in a mirror with a light, there is a tiny white dot(about the size of a ball point pen tip) in the same area of the pain. Being me I got a needle and tried to poke it out, but it would come off. Then today my underside(the skin that holds the tongue to the bottom of your mouth) is red and swollen plus it hurts a little too. I don't know is it all in my head or what because of my uncle but like I said the weekly dull minor pain started before we knew his condition.
I have looked on the web the pass few days and as far as the other signs I haven't really noticed any. I did have a right side(same side as pain) ear trouble about two weeks ago, but it has since gone away. I think it was an inflamed ear canal(I have had them in the past). Bleeding in my mouth I haven't had really any except when a dog bit my lip at work(I am a dog groomer) but that was tiny and pretty much healed normally. The past few years I did get a few sores on my gums, I though the beginning of an abcess with pain and redness, but the all went away on there own. Since I was about 16 years old I have had hard white pus that builds up about once a month on both of my tonsils, I don't really know what that is or if it's related either. The white stuff smell and it has a slight yellow hint. So... I don't know.
I do NOT smoke, drink or do drugs. I do hang out with smokers and may get a little more second hand smoke then I need I have not been to a doctor for an exam in three years or so. Or a dentist for that matter. I did have surgery on my hand it was a year in August.It was minor and he didn't look at anything but my hand. I did get a basic blood work up at that time, it didn't show anything. I donate blood every 2 months and never had a problem doing so. I don't know what else to ask any question please ask. Like I said I will be going to the doctors soon, but the truth is I am a little scared of the doctor hehe
Thanks
Kat