Hi,
I am three months post treatment for HPV stage 4 tonsil cancer. I had 35 radiation treatments and 3 cisplatin.

Now, I have a very small area of exposed bone about a quarter of an inch below my gumline. I noticed it because something was scratching my tongue.

I saw my dentist today. He said he sees this about once a month and it normally heals by itself (without anything being done). But because I've had radiation to that area, it makes things more complicated. He has referred me back to my radiation oncologist. My dentist is concerned about infection and whether or not I will need a tissue graft to cover the bone.

I have an appointment with my rad. onc on Monday. Has anyone else had this or know anything about this?

Thanks,
Angie

Hello Angie!

Yes I've had this issue and had to have it taken care of by my ENT. I had to have some tissue from my hip grafted on the sight, it was easy and mostly painless. I have a small scar on my hip and was a tad sore for a few days but nothing major. I would definitely talk to your ENT about this as more than likely he'll be the person performing the surgery if needed.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

Eric

Thanks Eric,
I may need to get a new ENT. I saw him yesterday and he referred me to my dentist. Oh well, It's a tiny spot, just irritating and I'm glad to hear it's probably nothing major.
Angie

I am 2 years out of treatment and about a year ago I had a small bone exposed on my gum. My dentist sent me to see an oral surgeon. He numbed the area and told me he was going to pull it out. If there was gum underneath, it was all good. If it was bone underneath, that would be the worse possible scenario. He pulled it out and it was gum underneath! It was painless! I would suggest getting in to see your dentist as soon as you can!

Cathi

Thanks Cathy,
That's reassuring.
Angie

Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments (HBO) may be something that might help to heal this area if it cant be easily pulled out. Ive had tiny tooth fragments taken out and after they came out I felt immediate relief. I have had it done both with a local or just pulled out without numbing. I prefer to have it just quickly pulled out without the numbing. Ask about HBO, it may be something to help you.

I was also stage 4 tonsil cancer. My first surgery was November 2, 1910 and then it recurred 6 months later. My second surgery was June 27, 2011. Had neck dissection again and flap surgery. Docs said I was "cancer free" at this point, however, I contined to have jaw pain. They discovered exposed bone about 6 weeks ago. I take pain meds every 3 - 4 hours. Just had a bone dental scan and a PET scan and am waiting for the results. Doc said that I might need jaw replacement surgery. It does not seem to be healing on its own. Not looking forward to another surgery, but also can't handle the pain. Has anyone experienced this?

Hi,
My Rad Onc called me today and got me in early. He is not overly concerned about the small exposed bone. The area recieved the smallest amount of radiation. He said if it had been in a high radiation area it could have been a big problem. He gave me a rx for antibiotics and told me to get them filled Monday if it wasn't much better. He will see me again the following Monday to make sure it's healing. I'm relieved.
Angie

Excellent news, Angie! Glad to hear you dont have to undergo anything major to have this taken care of. Good luck with your healing.

The bone came off today with gum underneath. All is good.
Angie