Possible Oral Cancer?

[Joe S]

I have fairly severe irritation inside my upper lip on the skin close to the top of the lip and also on the front of the upper gums. This spreads from 1 side of the lip all the way to the other side. I also have slight irritation on the side of my cheeks near me teeth. I think the cheek irritation may be due to my mouthpiece I wear while sleeping due to grinding my teeth.

This has been happening for about 1 1/2 weeks and it really burns when I use mouthwash and brush my teeth. I do not see any visible ulcers or any obvious red or white spots. If they are there, they are subtle. The area does look like it may be slightly red, but not sure. I do not have any other oral symptoms.

I am a 34 year old smoker. I smoke about 3/4 a pack a day for the last 16 years.

I am worried about oral cancer. Does this sound indicitive?

Should I call my dentist and schedule an appointment or should I see if it resolves on it's own. I was planning on calling tommorow to schedule becase he is not open today. I am half tempted to page him because i am really worried.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Good to hear.  Just remember to take the tobacco cessation day by day and find lots of support.  Its a tough habit to break for some people.  You can contact your primary care physician for nicotine patches, referrals for support groups, etc.

[Joe S]

Thanks

I met with my dentist yesterday and he said it is nothing to worry about. No need for a biopsy as there are no signs or symptoms of cancer. He said either contact irriation or my current mouthwash and that my gums/lips are not even swollen or red. I have not used my mouthwash in about 2 days and it is getting much better. He said use a mouthwash with less alchohol. My current mouthwash is about 25%. He also said we will just have to keep an eye on it and establish a pattern on what is causing the irritation.

I will meet with him in about 2 months for my bi-annual cleaning and he will look at it again.

But thank God, it is nothing to worry about.

This episode is a blessing in disguise as it is forcing me to quit smoking. I am not going through this again.

Thanks again for the help and the advice.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Sounds good.  With oral cancer, its always hard to say whether or not it is present without a biopsy.  If he looks at it and it looks like an irritation from your toothbrush or something simple, then it'll resolve on itself.  Obviously a cancer won't go away so easily.  Best of wishes.  Good to hear you've resolved with the smoking.  Don't forget that its important to find as much support in tobacco cessation including patches, finding new habits or hobbies and support from friends and family.  Also find new stress relieving activities as well.  

[Joe S]

Thanks.

I am going to see him today or tomorrow. Talked to my dentist last night. He is a family member so I have that luxury.

He told me most likely nothing serious, but still wants to see me. I do think I may have changed my mouthwash last week, but I did not pay much attention. My wife buys that for me. I also noticed last night that my toothbrush is rather frayed and I am wondering if that is irritating the gums/lips. Going to buy a new one today.

I will be quitting smoking after this episode. No matter what the result is.

Thanks for the reply.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Its hard to say without an oral examination and a proper biopsy.  I would definitely go to see him as soon as possible.  Hopefully it isn't anything serious but rather a problem with your nightguard.  Have you had any changes in toothpaste or anything else?  It might be an allergic reaction to something.  

I would also discuss tobacco cessation with your dentist or primary care physician.