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pearl like lump inside cheek

Laiq
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Good evening all,

I'm a 45 year old female, and unfortunately a smoker.

I have had what I initally thought was an ulcer inside my cheek for around 2 months now. I mentioned this to the doctor on Monday, while I was having an appointment for something else, she took a look and has given me a 2 weeksuspicious cancer referral. My appointment is next Thursday afternoon.

Has anyone had anything like this before? I've searched a few posts on the forum, but nothing that seems conclusive. I am obviously very worried that this could be something serious and I'm already a very anxious person. I'm hoping some people may be able to give me some suggestions of what happened at their 2 week referral.

  • Hello Laiq

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some health concerns recently. You did exactly the right thing in seeing your GP and it's good to know that you already have an appointment with the ENT specialists next week. Hopefully, they will be able to give you some answers and reassurance when you see them. 

    Until you see the specialist next week we can't say with any certainty what this lump/ulcer may be but you've mentioned in your post that you are a smoker. We do know that smoking is the most preventable cause of cancer worldwide. We have some information on our website about smoking and cancer that may be helpful to you and the NHS website has information about the help that is available to quit. 

    If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses before your appointment, you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). I know they will be happy to offer any advice and support they can. 

    Keep in touch Laiq and let us know how you get on at your appointment later this week. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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    just a note for anyone in the future bthat picks this up in a search, and gets annoyed at no update - I was informed by ENT today that this appears to be polyps and 99% sure it is not cancer.

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