HELP! Medical: brown spot?!

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ShellyLee
ShellyLee Posts: 293 Member
in Chit-Chat
So this morning I woke up and noticed that I had a small tiny lump in my mouth on the inside of my right cheek. So when I got up to shower I checked it in the mirror... and it's brown!? It's not big but it's not mouth colored!! Not painful... just kinda appeared. Needless to say I'm totally freaked out at this point. I'm 24, never been a smoker, drink maybe once a week and not to the extreme. I am fair skinned (red hair and freckles). I've been to a dermatologist and have had a mole removed before but it wasn't cancerous. My dad died of esophageal cancer at 53, but had chronic acid reflux and was a smoker (I don't have these issues). I've only slightly looked up stuff online and have found it can be anything from melanoma to a just a blood blister. I gave myself some bad canker sores of Halloween (oops) from all the sugar and I do occasionally bite my own cheek. I don't recall doing it recently, but I don't really keep track.

I will obviously be going to see a Dr on monday if it doesn't appear to be going away... but I have to say it's totally freaking me out! Anyone have any advice? Experience?

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  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
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    Did you accidentally bite yourself recently? My mouth gets a raised area & bruised a funny color when I bite myself.
    If you're really concerned, get in to see the doctor Monday morning.
  • KaitieBug
    KaitieBug Posts: 559 Member
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    I get those occasionally, I believe they're blood blisters. You could've bitten yourself in your sleep. I wouldn't worry too much right away, give it a few days to see if it goes away:flowerforyou:

    Love your profile picture by the way!! I miss my horse...
  • courtney_love2001
    courtney_love2001 Posts: 1,468 Member
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    I always freak myself out about bodily problems, thinking they are so much worse than what they are. If it just suddenly appeared, I would think about a hematoma/bruise. You're probably thinking worse case scenario, and I am here to assure you that oral cancer takes some time to grow. I wouldn't just suddenly show up as a large spot inside your mouth. It would start out small and grow. Keep an eye on it though, if it doesn't go away definitely get it checked out. Until then, don't freak out :smile: I always like to say "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it" and it helps me to focus and not to worry so much.
  • Nich0le
    Nich0le Posts: 2,906 Member
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    first off, quit looking stuff up on the internet, it is only going to feed your worst fears not ease them. :wink:

    Second, it would be advisable to see a dentist over a doctor because they are specially trained to determine cancers related to the oral regions of your body. As a matter of fact, your general dentist should do a physical check at each exam if not at least once per year to check for abnormal bumps, bruises etc. Your dentist may send you to a specialist for a biopsy of the tissue if it looks off to them, or if they take a better safe than sorry attitude when it comes to spots.

    Third, if you do get a biopsy it is not a bad sign. You will need to be patient to wait for lab results and don't let your mind get the best of you. You are doing the right thing by seeking medical or dental attention asap! It is very possible to bite your cheek, have it get swollen and then continue to bite it without noticing and cause bruises. Some people naw or chew on their cheeks or inner lips when stressed or thinking and don't even realize it, similar to chewing on your pen or pencil, twisting hair etc.

    I work for a group of dentists that is why I recommend seeking a dental opinion, but I am not by any means licensed to give advice so you need to do what is best for you. I can tell you that in the 10 years I have worked for the doctors we do biopsies of oral tissues on a fairly regular basis (3 or more per month) and only one has been cancer and one other was an issue for authorities.

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