Fear of Oral Cancer - referred to oral surgeon

[Pdt321 3]

Hello,

I have a small lump on the inside of my right cheek.  I noticed it a few months ago after I bit my cheek and didn’t think much of it.  I can not recall if I bit the side of my cheek and the lump formed or if I bit the side of my cheek and the lump was already there.  The bite mark healed rather quickly but this small painless bump or lump was still there.  Surprisingly dealing with health anxiety, it still didn’t bother me that the lump was there.

Fast forward to yesterday and I brought it up to my dentist at my routine dental appointment.  The hygienist said it doesn’t look like anything to worry about but we’ll have the dentist take a look.  The dentist came in and didn’t say anything close to what she said.  I showed him where it is because it is quite small, under 1CM - probably closer to a half of a CM, and he felt around a bit.  Asked if it hurt, which I replied no and then asked how long I’ve noticed it.  I told him a few months after I bit the side of my cheek right where it is located but I can’t confirm if it was there before the bite.  He informed me that we need to have an oral surgeon check this out.  Mind you, I’ve seen this dentist for years and trust him completely.  He didn’t give me a sense of security.  It may have been a let’s get this checked just to be safe because I don’t diagnose lumps but it wasn’t clear.  In my eyes I read that response as, we need to get this checked for cancer.

I went to google, which I’ve sworn off, again until yesterday.  Now I’m stuck on buccal mucosa cancer or squamous cell carcinoma.  The lump is smooth, round, and just a bit pinker than inner mouth skin color.  There is no ulcer, pus, white, Red, or black spots.  No pain either but I read almost all mouth cancers are painless.  

I’m 33 years old and have never been a smoker but I’m deathly worried that I have cancer inside of my mouth due to this painless bump.  My appointment isn’t until August 5th and that’s after calling around to a few places with earlier openings.  Just writing here to vent.  Thanks for reading.  Now I wait until 8/5.

[Vandelsrock21 104]

Good afternoon. Is it cancer no! Your dentist is doing his job. Many people get bumps in there mouth. I had one and it was cyst. But I like fear oral cancer so I understand the concern. Oral cancer is rare in general and with your history doubtful. You will be fine.

[Ms.Honey 12]

I’ve recently been worried about oral cancer, and went to a very expensive dentist just because I knew he was really thorough. You’re most likely totally fine!! You don’t have any risk factors, and also quite young to have this be anything serious. Maybe your dentist is just sending you to an oral surgeon because they have better equipment to scan it, or maybe because he thinks you want the lump removed. Definitely Stay off google! 

[Pdt321 3]

Thank you for the replies.  I’ve been doing relatively okay waiting for my appointment.  Still one week to go!  I can’t help to think that it has grown but I think it’s just my imagination doing what it does best.

[Pdt321 3]

I just wanted to provide an update.  I had my appointment and the surgeon confirmed that there is nothing to worry about with my small lump.  It is either a papilloma or fibroma, likely caused from biting down on my cheek.  He 100% assured me that there is nothing to worry about.  

 

He also said that they get these referrals all of the time because dentists are not trained heavily on lesions and cancers like they are so they are quick to refer out to be cautious.  I was offered to have it removed if it bothers me but I chose not to because I did not want the extra cost and there is no pain.  I have a follow up in 6 months to see if there are any changes (these can grow) and can have it removed then if I’d like.  

[Leah1976 301]

I am glad everything is ok!!!!!! 

[Ms.Honey 12]

This is great news @Pdt321!