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What Causes A White Spot Under The Base Of Tongue?
Question: Hello, thank you for helping me today. Approximately one month ago, I found a white spot under the base of my tongue. The lesion is painless. I have not identified any redness or laceration. I went to a physican's assistant last Thursday, and she said that she is not worried about it and it may be just a normal discoloration of my tissue. I had chewed tobacco from the age of 18 to 23, and I am worried it might be some form of cancer. The PA stated there is no redness or ulceration. I wanted to get another opinion before I go back to a doctor for this as I am experiencing quite a bit of anxiety.
Brief Answer:
as per plan - step by step
Detailed Answer:
Hi young man.
Thanks for your query, history and pictures.
To recapitulate: Male/24 - chewed tobacco at the age 18 to 23 - worried about cancer - found white spot under the base of tongue about 1 month ago - painless - no redness or ulceration - wants another opinion -
Yes there is white mark in one of the pictures you have provided, particularly the one showing the left side of the tongue with finger. It shows irregular white plaque like lesion- not raised or ulcerated.
You are right in saying this is not normal.
I would suggest you the following plan so that the diagnosis is done as well as complete treatment is done.
- Take Therapeutic dosage of Vitamin A and D multivitamins. Many times the deficiencies cause such problems.
- If it heals and the area becomes normal within 3 weeks, nothing more to be done and no tobacco of course.
- If it does not heal, to go for a small operation of excision biopsy.
This will confirm the diagnosis which can show whether this is a cancer or some other condition such as just leocoplakia, lichen planus or so.
-So nothing to worry till the final out come is there.
No need to be anxious at the moment.
Please discuss the plan with your Doctor, follow as per His / Her experience and the problem will be solved.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis, and get a proper further treatment. Please feel free to ask for more or if you need further clarifications or if you feel there is a gap of communication.
as per plan - step by step
Detailed Answer:
Hi young man.
Thanks for your query, history and pictures.
To recapitulate: Male/24 - chewed tobacco at the age 18 to 23 - worried about cancer - found white spot under the base of tongue about 1 month ago - painless - no redness or ulceration - wants another opinion -
Yes there is white mark in one of the pictures you have provided, particularly the one showing the left side of the tongue with finger. It shows irregular white plaque like lesion- not raised or ulcerated.
You are right in saying this is not normal.
I would suggest you the following plan so that the diagnosis is done as well as complete treatment is done.
- Take Therapeutic dosage of Vitamin A and D multivitamins. Many times the deficiencies cause such problems.
- If it heals and the area becomes normal within 3 weeks, nothing more to be done and no tobacco of course.
- If it does not heal, to go for a small operation of excision biopsy.
This will confirm the diagnosis which can show whether this is a cancer or some other condition such as just leocoplakia, lichen planus or so.
-So nothing to worry till the final out come is there.
No need to be anxious at the moment.
Please discuss the plan with your Doctor, follow as per His / Her experience and the problem will be solved.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis, and get a proper further treatment. Please feel free to ask for more or if you need further clarifications or if you feel there is a gap of communication.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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