Hi everyone,

I just received my result for my biopsy and MRI scan. Though my biopsy shows that my ulcer is non cancerous (2 biopsy report: 1 shows severe dysplasia and another inflammation) but my MRI scan reveal that there is something penetrating my tongue. The doctor advise me to go for surgery to remove the ulcer and will further examine it for cancer. I am wondering normally for this kind of surgery, what is the success rate? and is it a complicated surgery? What other options are there besides surgery?

Thnks.

I think that depends on how much they are planning to take out - if its a small area the tongue heals quickly so it shouldn't be too bad - if it's a partial or hemiglossectomy - with a rebuilt area - it's a pretty big surgery - mine was 10 hrs - but they also did a neck dissection - you need to ask them more questions - find out what they are planning to do - I'm glad the are offering you surgery - i had 2 negative biopsies - before a 3rd diagnosed me - better to be pro active than reactive. I'm 4.5 weeks out of surgery and doing well. Best of luck and let us know what is going on.

Your doctor should be able to answer your questions about the success rate. I would think it depends on many things including the individual along with the skill of the surgeon. A second opinion with another surgeon wouldnt hurt. Surgery is the only option for something like this, or watchful waiting. You wouldnt go thru radiation for something other than cancer.

I would think that if a biopsy showed no cancer, then I would tend to listen to it and get a 2nd opinion.

Hi,

Have done the surgery. Recuperating at home. Initial finding is chronic inflammation. Will wait for 1 week to get the final result.

Very happy to hear they have done the surgery and will have the actual tumour to find out what is going on. Praying for clean results.

Donna

Me too - glad the initial results are positive, and you are recovering - I do need to say - I had two negative biopsies before my last positive one...even if it is negative for cancer keep a very close eye on it and if it does not heal or recurs get someone to look at it right away - best of luck!

Did they remove all the severe dysplasia along with the ulcer? My first excision after biopsy was to remove carcinoma in situ but they didn't get all the severe dysplasia so I had to go back in a few months later for a more extensive excision (partial glossectomy but not neck dissection as PET scan was clear).

Glad the initial results look promising but as everyone else has said- keep an eye on it! Good luck!!

Hi,

I got the final result. The result shows that I have a 2mm cancer in the tongue. But the doctor is unable to find out the exact location of the cancer. I am puzzle, Is it possible not to know where the cancer is? I am to do another surgery to get a wider margin and shave more of the tongue for further testing. If more cancer is found, then radiation is needed.

Emotionally, I am drained and a blank. Since I was told that it is inflammation so my expectation is that I would be cleared. Yet, the report prove otherwise. It has been a blow that is totally unexpected.

I know exactly how you feel. - my past few days have been brutal. Its ball in another post so I won't go into it. If it came back scc then I am assuming they are thinking there's more there but not in the form of a visible tumor. Have they looked at your neck.. ? It's a very small tumor but I would have them check your neck and keep an eye out for swollen lumps in your neck. Get to know-how your neck feels - what's normal and what's not for you. Rads is not fun but likely insurance.

Best of luck! You are being seen at a cancer center right?

Hi,

Yes, I am being seen in a cancer center. The doctor explained that there is a 5% chance that it will affect the neck as it is a 2mm size cancer. So they won't need to remove anything from the neck.

I am wondering.. is it common practice to have a second surgery for wider margin? I am worried about doing the second surgery.

Well if they don't get wide enough margins then it's best to go back in and remove more, not sure but it shouldn't be any better than the first and its small so it should heal quickly. Best of luck,,,

Hi,

I have done the partial glossectomy. My margin is all clear. Now praying that there are no recurrence. Currently, having difficulty in speaking and swallowing. But doctor say it will recover by 2 weeks and speech will improve by 2 months.

My initial SCC was on the floor of my mouth on the right. The ENT didn't take sufficient margins and they did a resection a couple months later including a partial glossectomy after discovering a second SCC on the side of my tongue.

My surgeon said that with cancers of 2mm or less that have not entered the nerves there is minimal occurance of spread to the lymph nodes. Still, as Cheryl says, become familiar with how your neck feels and let your doctor know if anything feels unusual. My surgeon also is having me keep a close eye on my mouth. Any new areas that are red or white for periods longer than two weeks need to be looked at by a professional.

Best of luck!!

Hi,

It has been almost 6 months. I have since recovered from the surgery and can now eat and talk normally. Still going for check up every 1 and a half months. Hopes everyone is doing fine. Keep rocking!!

Great news, joucads! Thanks for the update.

That's awesome I'm so happy for you! Keep going!

Hi Joucads, good to hear from you that you have been free so far. Don't become too easy and stop going for regular checkup as you had a close shave. Also, discuss with your doctor regarding PET-CT scan in maybe 3 months from now.