Hey guys,

I was recently diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. I had a small lesion on the left side. My doctor performed surgery completely excising the small lesion. It was I believe stage 2. The doctor also performed a neck dissection removing lymph nodes even though they did not test positive. This all happened in October of 2005. Just recently, I discovered what appears to be a white canker looking sore but its shape is irredular. I discovered it on the opposite side of my tongue this time. I have an appointment in approximately 3 weeks time for a check-up. Has anyone here ever had a re-occurence and is there any advice you could give as I am at a loss right now.

Thanks

Welcome Ontarioguy,

My first biopsy was negative, I had a white patch under my tongue. Six months after it was removed, I had a white line of what looked like scar tissue. My original oral surgeon said it was nothing when I showed it to him. When it ulcerated and became sore, I went to the dentist and he hustled me off to another oral surgeon. I had surgery and it was SCC, T1 thank goodness but by the time the ulcer showed up it was deep enough into the floor of my mouth that I had to have a graft. I don't think you should wait 3 weeks to see your ENT. Call his office, speak to the nurse and they will work you in is my bet. I am assuming here that didn't have radiation since you didn't mention it.

My vote? Call the doctor. It can't hurt and can definitely help. If he can't see you himself, maybe a partner, PA or ARNP can take a look and go get him if needed.

Sincerely,
Lisa

PS- I also used a digital camera and took pictures of my neck scar and emailed it to my doc so he could keep an eye on it after he revised it. Maybe you could try that if they can't work you in today.

Hi Ontario Guy.

I agree with Lisa. I would go in tomorrow if you can. 3 weeks is too long to wait with what we hav e had. You need to have this looked at ASAP, IMHO.

Steve

Hey guys,

Thanks for the suggestions that you guys gave me. I called my doctor the next day and they gave me an emergency appointment for Wednesday April 5th. My original appointment was for the 25th. What a relief. Guess 6 days is better than over three weeks. Anyways, I'll keep in touch after my appointment to update on wether I have another occurence on the opposite side of my tongue. Once again, thanks.

Ontarioguy

Your doctor will biopsy it for sure since you've had this before. I had a similar experience, ulcer on right side, neck dissection (neg), and then recurrance on the same side.

You did the right thing by moving up your appointment, you'll know soon enough.

I'm guessing your margins were clean and you had no radiation?

Best of luck,

Brian

Hey Brian,

All my margins were clear. I did not receive any radiation therapy. The location of the reocurrance is on the opposite side of my tongue now. I wonder if they are going to do a more aggressive treatment aside from surgery this time around. Did they do something different for you the second time around and how are things with you now? All the info I get is greatly appreciated and thank you for responding. I was also just wondering just for everyone who responds here, what age everyone was diagnosed at? I was 30 when I was diagnosed in September of last year. I also had Leukemia when I was a child. I was diagnosed with that at the age of 13 and went through 3 years of intensive chemo and radiation therapy then. Maybe 3rd time is a charm?

Ontarioguy

one month after my 29th birthday at diagnosis. (That was in January '06). Same condition as yourself - small tumor on right side of tongue (mine borderline I/II) neck dissection on both sides - all nodes clear - no radiation.

Think positive - this might not be a recurrence. Maybe it is just a small canker sore and will go away.

I was 59, with a small lesion on the left lateral border of the tongue. Partial glossectomy, 30 clear nodes removed...no radiation or chemo. One year ago this coming Thursday.

Glad to read that you got your appointment moved up. Waiting 3 weeks would really be tough. Good luck and hoping it is nothing.

Jerry

Well, had my appointment with the doc on Wednesday last week. The throat was clear as they did a scope. With regards to the lesion on my tongue, the doc thinks I may have bittne my tongue. It is in his opinion that it will be gone in a month. He made a follow-up appointment for a month's time rather than waiting 3 months which is the usual follow up for me. If it is still there they are going to biopsy it then. In the mean time, I am to keep an eye on it and if it gets bigger or changes, I am to call them right away. So I guess this is somewhat good news. Will have to wait until May 2nd to see what happens. Thank you all so much for your guidance and support as well as sharing your experiences and stories with me. I found that once I found this place it has provided me with much comfort and hope.

Ontarioguy75