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Addiction (Expert Forum)
I think I might have mouth cancer
Questions in the Addiction forum are answered by a medical expert.
I think I might have mouth cancer
by Alex__0, Jan 28, 1999 12:00AM
I'm scared to death that I might have mouth cancer. I'm 19
years old and I attended boarding school for a 4 year period.
During this time I used chewing tobacco fairly consistantly
(anywhere from 1 to 4 or 5 times a day) However I never used
smokeless tobacco in the summer.
In the winter of my senior year I developed what appeared to be
a large pimple on the edge of my upper lip. Although it got
smaller, it never fully went away. I went to a doctor and he
said it had nothing to do with smokeless tobacco or cancer.
Then in November of this year (my freshman year in college) I
noticed a few bumps or growths located in the area under my
tongue. I don't really think they have grown at all, but they
certainly haven't gone away. I also have developed a number of
hard bumps within my lower lip, and these bumps seems to go away
and coma back, or move around. However, I can't say that I have
experienced any pain or even discomfort ever from any of these
problems in my mouth. I have so many questions about what is
going on in there. I have read that most growths in the mouth as
a result of chewing tobacco for only a few years are usually not
very dangerous. I think I probably have dipped less than 5 times
since I graduated from high school... and that is the time frame
in which these growths have come about. However, I have do drink
a few times a week, and I have been smoking cigarettes (usually
never more than 5 a day) for the entirety of this school year.
I am in the process of quiting cigarettes right now. I guess
what I want to know is... What danger am I in...and how can I get
out of it. Are cigarettes and alcohol preventing my mouth from
healing? Is it absolutely neccesary thatI see a doctor? Because
I'd rather keep this one away from my parents. Any advise would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks- alex
years old and I attended boarding school for a 4 year period.
During this time I used chewing tobacco fairly consistantly
(anywhere from 1 to 4 or 5 times a day) However I never used
smokeless tobacco in the summer.
In the winter of my senior year I developed what appeared to be
a large pimple on the edge of my upper lip. Although it got
smaller, it never fully went away. I went to a doctor and he
said it had nothing to do with smokeless tobacco or cancer.
Then in November of this year (my freshman year in college) I
noticed a few bumps or growths located in the area under my
tongue. I don't really think they have grown at all, but they
certainly haven't gone away. I also have developed a number of
hard bumps within my lower lip, and these bumps seems to go away
and coma back, or move around. However, I can't say that I have
experienced any pain or even discomfort ever from any of these
problems in my mouth. I have so many questions about what is
going on in there. I have read that most growths in the mouth as
a result of chewing tobacco for only a few years are usually not
very dangerous. I think I probably have dipped less than 5 times
since I graduated from high school... and that is the time frame
in which these growths have come about. However, I have do drink
a few times a week, and I have been smoking cigarettes (usually
never more than 5 a day) for the entirety of this school year.
I am in the process of quiting cigarettes right now. I guess
what I want to know is... What danger am I in...and how can I get
out of it. Are cigarettes and alcohol preventing my mouth from
healing? Is it absolutely neccesary thatI see a doctor? Because
I'd rather keep this one away from my parents. Any advise would
be greatly appreciated. Thanks- alex
Doctor's Answer
by SA, M.D. - HVMA, Jan 28, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Alex,
You need to share these concerns with a doctor who can examine your mouth. If you really can't stand the idea of levelling with your parents, then go for a general physical and talk to the doctor confidentially. Make sure the doctor knows that you want your evaluation to be kept strictly confidential.
It's clear from your email that you are a health-conscious individual who worries a lot about the various medical problems which are caused or aggravated by inappropriate use of alcohol and tobacco (by the way, there is no such thing as "appropriate" use of tobacco - the only thing tobacco can do is hurt you and addict you) . So you should definitely continue your efforts to eliminate tobacco altogether, and you should limit your drinking so that is healthful and not risky. Various studies indicate that men under the age of 65 who drink between 3 and 6 standard drinks per week (never more than 1 or 2 at a sitting) are actually healthier than men who drink more or less than this amount. Of course, some people shouldn't drink at all, either because of medical problems, pregnancy, or an inability to drink in a controlled fashion. A standard drink is 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or a shot of 1.5 ounces of whiskey.
For a great deal more information about smoking, smoking cessation, drinking, and drinking problems, check out my AskDrSteve web site, conveniently hyperlinked below.
Good luck!
Steve Adelman, M.D. (a.k.a. DrSteve)
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Keywords: smoking, drinking, smoking cessation, healthful drinking
Ask DrSteve: The Real Story About Smoking, Drinking and Getting High
