Hi
My 11 year old male seems to have a problem with his top gum.  It's not where it meets the tooth.  It's a small area at the very top, where the gum meets the skin of his lip.  There's a little bit that looks like there's blood under the skin.  He's eating fine but, when I dry him after a walk, it's clear that he doesn't want his face touched.
I wonder if he's poked it while eating a pigs ear portion, but that was a few days ago now.  Or, if it's something a bit more serious. 
In general, his teeth are very clean and his gums are nice & pink, not inflamed.
He hates the vet and is a big baby, so don't want to take him unless I absolutely have to.
Any info/advice, as always, greatly appreciated.

Having lost an elderly hound, the last of our home-breds, to oral cancer, I can only urge you to have it looked at by your vet, and sooner rather than later.   To save him any distress, could you have your vet examine him in the back of your car - although some vets prefer to see a patient in their examination room as they are less likely to be 'defensive' if not defending their place in the car!

Thanks MamaBas
I'm sorry about your dog.  Do you mind me asking how you knew there was something wrong?

> Do you mind me asking how you knew there was something wrong?

Not at all (asking) - the very small tumour, right at the back of his mouth on one side, was only found by my then vet, during a dental which had been delayed because I'd just spent a year (and a small fortune) fighting for the life of his sister!   And then that!   Not a great couple of years with the final 2 of my home-breds, for sure.  He, vet, thought he'd got it out with wide enough margins (it hadn't invaded his jawbone) but sadly fairly soon after that, another more vigorous growth appeared a bit foward of the first on the same side, and that was the point at which we had to let him go.   I'd been keeping an eye on his mouth by then .....

That's very sad, sorry to hear that.
The darker patch seems to be getting better and he's letting me touch his face/mouth now, so I think it's just sore from chewing on something but I will certainly be keeping a check on it.

I checked his gum again today and now there seems to be a puffy looking lump there.  So, we are off to the vet later.

Does your vet do house-calls?  Because sometimes that's a great option for a first-opinion if dogs hate the vet...