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Does this look like cancer?

Hello,

I've been chewing my cheeks for a really long time and not too long ago I really went at it and chewed up a lot in a spot where there is now a white patch. Does it look like it could be a scar or cancer? This came to my attention as I've just been told I have acid-reflux which has similar symptoms as oral cancer.
Poster
  • Female | 19 years old
July 24, 10:25 PM

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Featured Answer

1 UpVoted this answer Norman D. Knowles, DMD Dentist, Fort Pierce
No one can look at a spot and give you a definitive diagnosis, in truth if you have an abnormal area, it needs to be biopsied and evaluated by a pathologist.
Amy Durisin
Amy Durisin, DDS
Dentist in Santa Ana, CA
Level: Top Contributor (27)
July 27, 03:48 PM
Call
Like biting your nails, chronic cheek biting can also become a nervous habit. Often the inside of the cheek gets swollen and it then becomes easier to continue biting the same spot. Over time this can result in chronic inflammation, possible bleeding and scarring of the area.
David Westerberg
David Westerberg, DDS
Dentist in Redlands, CA
Level: Master Contributor (63)
September 25, 09:36 PM
Call
I would suggest having your dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluate the area.
Randall D. Stastny
Randall D. Stastny, DMD
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Cincinnati, OH
Level: Top Contributor (25)
Website: Blue Ash Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
August 20, 05:15 PM
Call
First off NO ONE can look at a picture or even you directly and tell with 100% certainty that it is cancer or not. Your picture does not look particularly alarming with your cheek chewing history but have it evaluated by your dentist. Any biopsy or brush biopsy that may be done is only valid for the point it is done. Try to stop chewing your cheek, although that is easier said than done. Have it evaluated by your dentist and they can better advise you if they feel a biopsy or a brush biopsy are appropriate.
Jeffrey T. Lodl
Jeffrey T. Lodl, DDS
Dentist in Arvada, CO
Level: Top Contributor (26)
Website: Arvada-West Dental Care
August 05, 08:10 PM
Call
Diagnose of cancer legion is not consistent base on just looking. 100% of the time patients need to have a biopsy to determine what you have. Cheek biting is not a precursor of cancer but if you are concerned, then have your dentist prescribe a biopsy procedure and put your worry to rest.
Michael Huynh
Michael Huynh, DDS
Dentist in Seattle, WA
Level: Top Contributor (39)
Website: G.O. Dental Group
July 30, 07:57 PM
Call
See your dentist and have these things checked. Chronic cheek biting can cause scaring of the tissue. The chance of oral cancer at your age is very low but it still should be checked. You should also be treating your acid reflux. Discuss this with your dentist because acid reflux can damage your teeth. Your dentist can help you.

Good lick
Sandra J. Eleczko
Sandra J. Eleczko, DDS
Dentist in Livonia, NY
Level: Master Contributor (81)
Website: Sandra J. Eleczko, DDS
July 30, 05:36 PM
Call Email
If this area does not heal within a timeframe of two weeks please get an examination. your mouth heals quickly! you cannot tell if it is cancer just by the eyeball test. the area must be biopsied and viewed under a microscope.
Richard P. Dolenuck
Richard P. Dolenuck, DDS
Dentist in Virginia Beach, VA
Level: Top Contributor (31)
July 29, 08:59 PM
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Any definitive diagnosis of a lesion can only be made after comprehensive clinical , pathological examination, and review of the health hoistory.

Any lesion caused by repeated trauma can lead to a changes in the tissue that can range from benign to precancerous to a cancerous lesion, so please have it evaluated as soon as possible and get a biopsy done if recommended.
Sharad Pandhi
Sharad Pandhi, DDS
Dentist in Tucson,, AZ
Level: Contributor (10)
Website: Smile Perfection
July 29, 05:39 PM
Call Email
First you need to see a dentist for an evaluation especially in light of your acid reflux. This area could be anything from a ruptured salivary duct under the gum, to a l callus area from your chewing of your cheek to the start of a cancerous lesion. It needs to be seen clinically and then a determination will be made to biopsy it for a definitive diagnosis.
James A. Vito
James A. Vito, DMD
General Dentist in Wayne, PA
Level: Master Contributor (63)
July 29, 11:27 AM
Call
One cannot be sure from one photo but it sounds and looks like scar tissue from the repeated trauma of cheek biting you have described. Make an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation. Please report to him any pain, changes in color or size of the lesion, and whether the area is unhealing. You may need a bite adjustment.
Tykeisha Muhusin
Tykeisha Muhusin, DDS
Dentist in San Jose, CA
Level: Contributor (6)
Website: Muhusin Family Dental
July 28, 11:31 PM
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