Tongue Irritation and Cancer Risk

[SebastianMoe]

Dear Doctor,

I have a somewhat crooked lower second premolar that is pointed in towards my tongue.  Occasionally it irritates the side of my tongue.  I also have a sharp lower first premolar that touches my tongue.  I don't think my tongue bleeds, but it does get irritated every now and then.  Does all of this put me at an increased risk for developing tongue cancer?  I've read that having any crooked or sharp teeth can be risk factors for developing tongue cancer/oral cancer.  To boot, found out girlfriend has HPV so I'm sure I've been exposed to it orally (another risk factor).  Sigh...  

Thanks

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

Any lesion that persists in the mouth for more than two weeks should be biopsied.  Malignancy is a certainly a possibility but rare considering your age.

However, other tumors or cysts can be very destructive if left untreated even if they are benign.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.

[SebastianMoe]

Additionally, I am a 22 year old male in otherwise good health.

Thanks