<s>[INST] I am a 35 year old female having issues with my mouth/throat. Symptoms are a feeling of a piece of food caught at the back left of my tonue or tonsil area and I recently found a small smooth firm lump on the lower left gums behind my premolars almost at the base of my tongue. I have seen an ent over the course of a few months and he found nothing suspicious and no changes to note (although he did not feel the small lump in my mouth as I just discovered it). He performed the nasal scope twice and also sent me for a neck MRI which was clear. I will see a dentist tommorpw and have them check the lump below my gums but I have a major cancer phobia/anxiety issue and I guessI just want a second opinion of what could be going on. The dr I saw said there is no more tests he can do and that I only need to return as needed but since the weird feeling in back of my mouth is still there I m still worried. Does a clear MRI mean oral cancer has been ruled out? [/INST] Hi The lump in the area you have mentioned can be due to various reasons. If you have been cleared off the ear, nose and throat specialist, It's now the turn an oral specialist to look into it. The lump on the gum is most commonly due to the tooth infection, which had spread beyond the confines of the tooth. There is also a possibility of a pocket (an area of bone destruction, mostly between the teeth, where food lodgment can take place).presence of infection in this pocket (pus pocket) can also lead to the same symptoms of feeling food being lodged and lump formation . I advise you to visit a dentist to rule out the above and for time being use warm water saline to rinse your mouth at least twice daily and keep the area of your mouth (where the lump is present) clean. If possible use interdental brush and floss regularly. Rest be assured the lump present is not cancerous, and your anxiety can be put to rest by merely visiting and oral physician. Take care. </s>