What Should I Do?

my father went to his general dentist for his routine cleaning. his dentist said that he has the first stages of cancer in his mouth. he has white patches on his gums. my father chewed tobacco up until tuesday when his dentist told him this.
Now the dentist said that he will see him back in 3 months? My question is that should he see his primary care physician OR a specialist? shouldn't he be getting a biopsy to determine if this is cancer? it just seems ridiculous to wait 3 months?

If I were you, I would run not walk to a specialist as soon as possible. My nephew had a small tumor along with 20% of his tongue removed. Several months later, he found another
spot. His doctor told him to wait until it is
larger and come back in a month. When he did that, the dr told him he thought the growth would not be cancer, but that there were 2 suspecious lymph nodes that needed to be biopsied. He has to wait until July 5th for that. Why did they not biopsy some of the lymph
nodes with the first surgery?? Who knows, but that is why a second opinion is ALWAYS good to
get. So.....do not wait. Go and get a second
opinion asap. You may have good news, but if
you don't, you will get help sooner. Go to a
well known cancer center, doctor, hospital, etc.
Good Luck, Barbara119

My father refuses to go to a doctor. He is very stubborn. I told him i don't think we should wait to go back to see his dentist in 3 months!!! now supposedly he said the dentist said not to worry???? i doubt this.
any ideas would be great.

Hello again, the only thing I can think of is
to call a doctor, cancer center, etc and explain
your problem with your Dad and then tell them
what his dentist said and ask their advice. If
they tell you he should come in immediately,
tell your dad this and hopefully he will listen.
Good luck! barbara119

You say the dentist says first stages of cancer and there are white patches. Could be leukoplakia which is precancer but is it mild or severe dysplasia? Sounds like you need more info so have your dad see a head and neck oral surgeon. Can't mess with this stuff. I had white patches for five years and had plenty of biopsies until one area turned to cancer. The cells in the mouth turn over very quickly and all it takes is one cell to change. Catch it early and the problems are very minor, delay and wait, anything can happen and usually its not good. Good luck

Your farther should go see somoeone who will tend to him immediately. I know first hand that waiting is deadly. I lost my wife and daughter both to cancer and they were very young,,,do it now please.
T

Your message was dated 6/06, so your father must
have seen someone by now. If not, RUN, DO NOT WALK, to an oncologist. My nephew started with
stage one oral cancer and in 6 mos was stage 4.
Find a doctor that will listen to you. Having your father wait 3 mos to see what happens is
not only stupid, but dangerous. Good luck.
Barbara119