Growths

[alljokingaside]

Hi,


So I'm pretty sure I'm in the green, but I'd like to double-check.

I just noticed an possibly abnormal growths/swellings on and near the Wharton's duct on the lingual frenulum. (I'm not sure if they've always been present or are a recent addition in the happy home that is my mouth.) Should I be concerned?

I'm currently outside of the US and would rather have a medical opinion US doctors, mainly due to language barriers.


Information that might be relevant: I drink alcohol in moderation, but I do smoke. No noticeable symptoms in this particular area (no odd smells, no funny taste lingering in my mouth) No abnormal fatigue. No trouble speaking. No pain.

Thanks!

[ENTMD]

You have possibly new growths in your mouth and you are a smoker.  Most likely this is nothing to worry about, but those two facts cannot be ignored.  A scan is not indicated here.  If these growths do not go away after a month or get larger, a biopsy is likely the best choice.  This is not a major ordeal, nothing to be adamantly opposed to.

[alljokingaside]

Oh, I'm from the States, taking a year in Asia. Communication here, especially of something this specialized, is the main deterrent from going to the doctor about it (plus the apparently mandatory butt shot).

I haven't looked for anything; I just noticed something that may or may not have been there the whole time. Was wondering if it's worth a check. I'm not really worried about it, but years of a lack of insurance has made me vigilant to things like this. Cutting is far from thought.

Thanks for the reply though.

[SureBett]

alljoking here in the US we have a saying "don't look for something wrong if you are not having symptoms" and the reason being is that we have the same amount of difficulty with diagnosis as anyone else in the world, maybe worse at times.  Especially in the ENT field. It is a very murky territory is what I am finding with my own issues. Don't ever let anyone cut into your mouth unless it is causing you to be uncomfortable or have a malignancy. If emotionally it bothers you, talk to a doctor about getting a scan on it, and after the scan, and all is ok, leave it at the dr's office. Don't take it out with you. good luck