SUSPICION / AM I CRAZY?

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I had a horrible toothache that just wouldn't go away. I went to the dentist who pulled it in the end. Thank goodness! The pain was gone! But then this lump started forming next to the empty spot where my tooth used to be. I left it for quite a while before I seeked medical attention for I suspected inflammation or an ulcer on account of the tooth that was ripped from my jaw.

The doctor only confirmed what I was thinking. Probably an irritation caused by loss of tooth. His exact words were "I'm a 100% sure it's not cancer." Who am I to second guess a doctor? I was just glad that it wasn't something serious and actually felt a bit embarrassed for going to see him.

After a few months passed, the lump started getting bigger. My tongue went numb from time to time and the lump became sensitive. As all foolish people do, I went to Google for help. I read a few articles on cancer but didn't pay much attention to them (the doctor was 100% sure, remember?). I found some information about Salivary Gland Stones and felt at ease again. All I had to do to get rid of the stone was rub the lump as hard as I could to break it down (I cringe when I think back and remember this).

A year after first discovering the lump I went back to my GP. He wasn't even interested in looking at the lump so I decided to insist on a referral to a Maxillofacial Specialist. He took one look at it and I could see in his eyes that he thought it was something bad. He booked me for a biopsy of the left submandibular salivary gland, I was however still very sure of my Google diagnosis.

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