question: Hello doctor,I am a 32-year-old male. I have used a smokeless tobacco called Swedish Snus for going on four years now, always in the same spot. My gums have severely receded in this area. I am otherwise healthy. I recently made an appointment with a periodontist but I am terrified I may have gum cancer. I noticed about a week after I quit putting smokeless tobacco in this area the gums became extremely sore, and are still sore two weeks later. I do not see any lesions in this area of my mouth, but the gums look 'pickled' is the best way I can put it. I do not know if the soreness I am feeling is from the gum tissue or exposed roots in that area of my mouth.