What where your signs and symptoms for tongue cancer?

Esand88
Esand88 Member Posts: 4
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hello all,

ive come to this site seeking for information. For almost 2 months I have been feeling with pain in my mouth, it all started after a dental visit on January 7th. After some feelings my mouth has been in pain till this day. At first it was just pain In the areas worked on then started to have pain in all my teeth. I went back and forth to the dentist and all was normal for him. I went to my doctor to rule out anything possible. They also could not diagnose me with anything iother than tooth pain.

at some point I started to develope a white painful coating in my tongue. I didn't think of anything because I thought it was from peridex (mouthwash prescribed from dentis) well it continued after I stoped using it. I went to my doctor because I was scared to go back to the dentis since all this experience started from that visit. Doctor looked I'm my mouth and tested for strep throat which came back negative. She really did not think it was thrush but decided to prescribe me thrush medication. I took it for the 8 days as instructed my my doctor. NO change and my tongue continues burning/sore/painful, the pains is not horrible but it's annoying and frustrating. I'm to a point tha my anxiety and fear has taken over! 

My current symptoms are the following: unexplainable sore throat, pain on the site of dental work, ear aches, dis colored white tongue with pain/sore/ burning sensation and feel something stuck in my throat. All of this has been explained to my doctor and stressed my fears of it being cancer! She assures me that it's not however she is not a tongue expert. She referred me to an ENT which I'm currently waiting for them to call me. To calm my anxiety doctor ordered an ultrasound of my throat which is scheduled for March 2nd!.

the bottom point is that I'm scared and terrified that this is cancer!!!! I keep trying to think positive but then I think about the fact that if it wasn't something serious some of the symptoms should have gotten better by now. Please share your experience on your signs and symptoms. I've searched in GOOGLE and has  scared me even more. Please please plwase help me with information! I feel like I'm falling in deep depression. I'm 26 year old female  married to my middle schiol sweetheart and 3 children. I just can't stop thinking at the fact that it might be cancer. 

 

Thank you all in adnvance, 

esand88 

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #2
    welcome

    E88,

    Welcome to the H&N forum.  You may want  to check out the Superthread for cancer info.

    I was stage IVa, scc, bot, 1 lymph node, hpv+ (surgery, rads & Erbitux).

    I felt nothing irregular except a lump on my neck (No Pain what-so-ever).  Visit ENT, had needle biopsy which showed cancer.,

    Here I am 3y3m from discovery  and doing much better.

    We say (here) it is not cancer till the doctor say it is cancer.

    Good luck,

    Matt

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 617 Member
    #3
    Signs and symptoms

    You are doing all the right things. I am not a doctor, but did have tongue cancer and also was a dental assistant years ago. Your symptoms really sound like an infection, but not very much like cancer. I hope you get an answer soon.  

  • Esand88
    Esand88 Member Posts: 4
    #4
    Thank you

    Thank you for responding, I truely appreciate your quick reply. It has just been difficult for me to stop thinking the worst. I've been in so much pain lately. It's been almost 2 months back and forth from dentis and doctor however none of them have been able to make these symptoms feel better. 

    I'm very concerned about my tongue and throat, these symptoms relate to cancer and could relate to other things as well but the word cancer has stayed in my head. I know I should relax and think positive but it has become difficult to do so. 

    As i mentioned, my doctor ordered an ultrasound, can this pick up anything abnormal like a mass or growth in the throat or base of tongue? I'm just nervous on what they will find.

    As of now I have been praying for good news. 

    Esand88

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #5
    Esand88 said:

    Thank you

    Thank you for responding, I truely appreciate your quick reply. It has just been difficult for me to stop thinking the worst. I've been in so much pain lately. It's been almost 2 months back and forth from dentis and doctor however none of them have been able to make these symptoms feel better. 

    I'm very concerned about my tongue and throat, these symptoms relate to cancer and could relate to other things as well but the word cancer has stayed in my head. I know I should relax and think positive but it has become difficult to do so. 

    As i mentioned, my doctor ordered an ultrasound, can this pick up anything abnormal like a mass or growth in the throat or base of tongue? I'm just nervous on what they will find.

    As of now I have been praying for good news. 

    Esand88

    Sunday talk

    E88,

    You would be wise and satisfied to visit an ENT and to have a biopsy if warranted.

    I may of felt blessed to have your issues and no cancer.

    Try to relax and stay positive, yet vigilant.

    Matt

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #6
    WElcome to the H&N Group of the CSN

    I will first say welcom to the group, and pretty sure you will not need to be here. Cancer does not have pain, untill the very late stages and you are not there. Yours started with the Dental visit. Not sure what he did, but it sounds like he triggered a nerve. Seeing an ENT is the best thing you can do right now. Please try not to worry, I know that is easyer said then done. You will come out of this just fine. 

    I had cancer just above my vocal cords stage 3 and was coughing alot. We will add you to my prayer list and try not to worry. Please stay off Google. If you try to put in systems all you see is incorrect info. You have to know where to Goggle only some medical sites, so just stay away from that. YOU WILL BE FINE !

    Bill

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #7
    I'm glad you're

    going to see an ENT....if for nothing else, than relief finding out you do not have cancer.  The coating on your tongue sounds to me like Thrush....and sometimes, even with medication....Thrush can be stubborn.  I have rinsed and chewed probiotics to help with Thrush....have even gotten rid of it via this natural method.  Thrush is an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth....probiotics help by upping the "good bugs" in your mouth.  Even out the playing field, so to speak.  Smile  One thing about it, it can't hurt you in any way.  Might try that to get rid of the painful coating. 

    p

  • Esand88
    Esand88 Member Posts: 4
    #8
    ENT appointment

    I just got the call I've been waiting for! I have the ENT appointment scheduled for March 6th. They first  said the 3rd but they found out I'm having a throat ultrasound on the 2nd so they decided to wait until the 6th so they can have the results. I'm so nervous and scared of what they might find. My anxiety has increased.

    i have an appointment with my dentist this Wednesday for a crowning of a back tooth. I'm scared to do this. I'm not sure if I should just cancel or talk to him about all of my symptoms. Last time I saw him was for a follow up on the pain and prescription of peridex which was on the 21st of January. I guess I'm picking up some dental phobia.

    Thank you all for your positive reply's. All of you are truly amazing and comforting. I will try my best to stop thinking about it. I will pray for myself and every single one of you. 

    Thanks 

    Esand88

  • Esand88
    Esand88 Member Posts: 4
    #9
    phrannie51 said:

    I'm glad you're

    going to see an ENT....if for nothing else, than relief finding out you do not have cancer.  The coating on your tongue sounds to me like Thrush....and sometimes, even with medication....Thrush can be stubborn.  I have rinsed and chewed probiotics to help with Thrush....have even gotten rid of it via this natural method.  Thrush is an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth....probiotics help by upping the "good bugs" in your mouth.  Even out the playing field, so to speak.  Smile  One thing about it, it can't hurt you in any way.  Might try that to get rid of the painful coating. 

    p

    Thrush

    P,

    thank you for your reply. I have not tried probiotics for the white coating. Which one souls you recommend? I have actually cleaned my tongue with salt water and baking soda however tmy tomgue is pale white almond with the pain. I really do hope it's a bad case if thrush but what would explain my sore throat, feeling something stuck in my throat, pain in jaw and chin? I know your not a doctor, I just find comfort from people telling me I will be fine. My ENT appt is next Friday so till then my anxiety and fear will continue.

    Esand88

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #10
    Esand88 said:

    ENT appointment

    I just got the call I've been waiting for! I have the ENT appointment scheduled for March 6th. They first  said the 3rd but they found out I'm having a throat ultrasound on the 2nd so they decided to wait until the 6th so they can have the results. I'm so nervous and scared of what they might find. My anxiety has increased.

    i have an appointment with my dentist this Wednesday for a crowning of a back tooth. I'm scared to do this. I'm not sure if I should just cancel or talk to him about all of my symptoms. Last time I saw him was for a follow up on the pain and prescription of peridex which was on the 21st of January. I guess I'm picking up some dental phobia.

    Thank you all for your positive reply's. All of you are truly amazing and comforting. I will try my best to stop thinking about it. I will pray for myself and every single one of you. 

    Thanks 

    Esand88

    esand88, i think its a good

    esand88, i think its a good idea for the ent to have the results before your visit.  in fact, if that were my doc, i'd feel pretty good that he cared enough to wait.  i think you are going to be told its not cancer.  please don't google.  if we all went by google, we would all be dead from everything and anything.  google is just crazy.  this is an excellent site for information.  information from people who have lived it and been down the cancer path, some 3 or 3 times.  so, stay away from google.  i will be praying for you.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • thennies61
    thennies61 Member Posts: 285
    #11
    Hi..I had no pain or

    Hi..I had no pain or bleeding.My mouth felt ok except that it always seemed I had something stuck under tounge.Thought maybe it was a cyst at first and that was my main mistake.I let it go thinking it would go away.That was in sept of 2013.By Nov my tounge was swollen enough to have a hard time swallowing so went to the doctor which in turn sent me to the ent right away and they did a pet scan and found it was tounge cancer and sent me to very good sergen .He did a cat scan and a date for surgery.He removed half my tounge and rebuilt it with thigh muscle and attached it to my lower jaw.Since then have gane though the rads and drugs.Had a trach tube in and out and finally the peg turb came out.I started to go to a speach and swolling specialist which helped alot.She had me go to a massage specialist for the scar tissue and he was able to move it around.Have been eating but taking small bites.I eat alot og mac and cheese and should by stock in it.Am learning to deal with it and it's just a fact of life now.We are looking into teeth now but have to wait for the jaw to become harder.

  • kjp37
    kjp37 Member Posts: 11
    #12
    thennies61 said:

    Hi..I had no pain or

    Hi..I had no pain or bleeding.My mouth felt ok except that it always seemed I had something stuck under tounge.Thought maybe it was a cyst at first and that was my main mistake.I let it go thinking it would go away.That was in sept of 2013.By Nov my tounge was swollen enough to have a hard time swallowing so went to the doctor which in turn sent me to the ent right away and they did a pet scan and found it was tounge cancer and sent me to very good sergen .He did a cat scan and a date for surgery.He removed half my tounge and rebuilt it with thigh muscle and attached it to my lower jaw.Since then have gane though the rads and drugs.Had a trach tube in and out and finally the peg turb came out.I started to go to a speach and swolling specialist which helped alot.She had me go to a massage specialist for the scar tissue and he was able to move it around.Have been eating but taking small bites.I eat alot og mac and cheese and should by stock in it.Am learning to deal with it and it's just a fact of life now.We are looking into teeth now but have to wait for the jaw to become harder.

    Still waiting for diagnosis

    I had a biopsy of tongue done 3 weeks ago for a small sore I had on my tongue for about 4 mounths. Although straight after the biopsy I went on holiday (currently still am on holiday), my dad told me that the hospital called to tell me the results of the biopsy early but I'm not back in the UK till the 8th and I had told the hospital that as well. This was when I first began to worry. My dad has since told me I have a CT scan, a MRI and a neck biopsy (FNA for a swollen lymph not under my jaw which is getting bigger, about a inch wide, also had a ultrasound before the tongue biopsy showing 3 irregular lymph nodes and I can now feel another one behind my jaw) for me when I get back home. Making me worry more. Also I have recently discovered a small bump on the front of my tongue (the sore was near the back of my tongue, all these issues are on the left side) and I have ear pains. I'm 19 and was a smoker but stopping now. I must say things aren't looking good for me

  • Bunnymom
    Bunnymom Member Posts: 212 Member
    #13
    kjp37 said:

    Still waiting for diagnosis

    I had a biopsy of tongue done 3 weeks ago for a small sore I had on my tongue for about 4 mounths. Although straight after the biopsy I went on holiday (currently still am on holiday), my dad told me that the hospital called to tell me the results of the biopsy early but I'm not back in the UK till the 8th and I had told the hospital that as well. This was when I first began to worry. My dad has since told me I have a CT scan, a MRI and a neck biopsy (FNA for a swollen lymph not under my jaw which is getting bigger, about a inch wide, also had a ultrasound before the tongue biopsy showing 3 irregular lymph nodes and I can now feel another one behind my jaw) for me when I get back home. Making me worry more. Also I have recently discovered a small bump on the front of my tongue (the sore was near the back of my tongue, all these issues are on the left side) and I have ear pains. I'm 19 and was a smoker but stopping now. I must say things aren't looking good for me

    Tongue cancer....I had oral

    Tongue cancer....I had oral tongue cancer. It started with a non-healing sore on the side of my tongue. I was originally diagnosed with leukoplakia which is a white coating on the tongue. leukoplakia can sometimes become cancerous. I'm not sure if that's what happened in my case, but I developed a sore. My sore hurt a lot and I eventually developed an earache. 

    It would be wise to follow through on all your testing to find out what is going on. This is a great website with a lot of knowledgable and supportive members. Please do not google anymore. This will only add to your anxiety. I'm glad you stopped smoking!!!

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #14
    kjp37 said:

    Still waiting for diagnosis

    I had a biopsy of tongue done 3 weeks ago for a small sore I had on my tongue for about 4 mounths. Although straight after the biopsy I went on holiday (currently still am on holiday), my dad told me that the hospital called to tell me the results of the biopsy early but I'm not back in the UK till the 8th and I had told the hospital that as well. This was when I first began to worry. My dad has since told me I have a CT scan, a MRI and a neck biopsy (FNA for a swollen lymph not under my jaw which is getting bigger, about a inch wide, also had a ultrasound before the tongue biopsy showing 3 irregular lymph nodes and I can now feel another one behind my jaw) for me when I get back home. Making me worry more. Also I have recently discovered a small bump on the front of my tongue (the sore was near the back of my tongue, all these issues are on the left side) and I have ear pains. I'm 19 and was a smoker but stopping now. I must say things aren't looking good for me

    kjp, i'm sorry you are facing

    kjp, i'm sorry you are facing this and especially at your very young age.  like already said, be sure to make all your appointments and tests.  this is very important.  i understand you being worried, who wouldn't be?  you have a lot going on right now.  I am very glad you quit smoking, I know first hand how very, very hard that is.  I will be praying for you.  Please let us know when you hear something.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • kjp37
    kjp37 Member Posts: 11
    #15
    Positive

    Results came back positive for SCC. I have now given blood for tests and done a ct scan. Tomorrow got MRI and I get to choose to get my treatment  from a hospital specialising for young adults with cancer or a local hospital 

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #16
    kjp37 said:

    Positive

    Results came back positive for SCC. I have now given blood for tests and done a ct scan. Tomorrow got MRI and I get to choose to get my treatment  from a hospital specialising for young adults with cancer or a local hospital 

    Truly sorry you need to be here.............

    Sorry it came back SCC positive. It's sad when anyong gets the news, and even worse at your young age. Your age will work in your favor as you should be in better general health. This is scarry to be told that it is SCC. Please take someone with you to all appointments, even if it is only a friend but parents are best. The doctor will say something and you will go blank and not hear everthing you need to. You will have questions so write them down and hand them to the doctor. That way you will get them all answered. My doctor wrote the answers down and handed it back as he explained them to me.

    Lymph glande get larger when you have an infection, that is there job so don't read too much in to that. There is a very good chance they will want to remove some of them which is standard and not to worry. They took 86 of mine from my neck and all were good, it is a precaution. You will be going down a very rough road with treatment, but you will not be alone. So many of us have been there already and can and will help you get through it. 

    You need to get a BIG attitude you are going to fight and win this, and then you will. As far as quiting smoking I for one am proud of you. It is hard I know, I stopped after 42 years. You need to remember it is like an alcoholic, you can't have that first one. It will get easyer as time goes on. I'm at 18 months and I know if, I ever have that first one, it's over. Also my odds go from 25% of getting cancer again to 90% I will get it back. Mine was just above my vocal cords and my lungs were already bad, so they took out my larnyx and I get to breath through my neck. But I am still breathing and I can still talk, so all is good for me. I got my second chance on life. Think it is like a do over.

    Please keep us posted as you need. We're open 24/7.............

    Bill

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #17
    kjp37 said:

    Positive

    Results came back positive for SCC. I have now given blood for tests and done a ct scan. Tomorrow got MRI and I get to choose to get my treatment  from a hospital specialising for young adults with cancer or a local hospital 

    kjp37, i'm very sorry to hear

    kjp37, i'm very sorry to hear that.  But your age will work for you as you go through treatment.  you can and will get through this.  it will not be an easy road but you will make it.  like Bill said, try to take someone with you to your doc appointments, especially the first few.  Those are when you will become over loaded with inforamtion and will not be able to absorb it all.  we will all be here for you to help you along so come here as often as you want.  we're on the sidelines cheering you on and we'll be here when you finish tx and ring the bell.  good luck, you can and will do this.

    God bless you,

    dj

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