On May 31 my husband had an excisional biopsy by an ENT after a biopsy of a leukoplakia by an oral surgeon in early May showed "moderate dysplasia" and warned of a possible "skip effect." The excisional biopsy came back positive for SCC -- location was the area where the tongue meets the bottom of the mouth.

This week he had a PET scan, which we just heard came back clean. He plans to send all slides and reports to the Hopkins CCC to double-check the findings and will also be seen by an ENT up there. But as you might imagine, for the moment we are all most relieved.

I have learned so much from reading these boards (and the rest of the site) over the last month, and given the odds of recurrence, we'll remain on high alert. Thank you to Brian, and to everyone here, for your wisdom, knowledge and caring.

Hi Lesley,

It's always great hearing such good news. Congratulations to you and your husband. Relief is such a great feeling. Hope the double checking gives the same results.

Jerry

Jerry --

You and me both. I feel like sending flowers to the dentist who initially identified the leukoplakia. (As a dentist, do you think that would be appreciated?) Without her vigilance, we would be blissfully ignorant -- rather than on the emotional roller-coaster of the last month -- but in this case ignorance would definitely NOT be bliss!

I am confused....A PET ruled over a pathology report??????

Perhaps I missed an earlier post

Lesley,

As a male dentist, chocolate would go a lot further for me than flowers. Of course I'm kidding and I'm sure any kind of a thank you gesture, would be greatly appreciated.

We dentists take it on the chin pretty often and most of the time it is undeserved. Can't even count the times I've heard from a new patient, "I hate dentists". When I get a simple thank you, it can make my day. Unfortunately, as I've learned from this forum, failure to diagnose oral cancer happens much too often and those that help to save a life, deserve the recognition.

It's nice to be appreciated.

Jerry

Mark --

The initial area of concern was very small, and the excisional biopsy took a good-sized chunk with the idea of getting clean margins. The PET, which was scheduled a week after the biopsy report came back, was to determine whether there had been any spread and, if so, its extent. Am I missing something?

In any case, he is being seen by the folks at the Hopkins CCC, so he'll get a second evaluation.

Jerry --

On second thought, I think I'll go with a nice thank-you note to the (female) dentist -- and a contribution to OCF for what I would have spent on flowers. I trust that will meet with your approval!

What a wonderful idea. She can still buy herself flowers whenever she wants and OCF can always use the money. And, I think I'll pick up some chocolate for myself for Father's Day. :p

Happy Father's Day to everyone!

Jerry

Lesley, lets us not worry and instead let the experts do any (if any) worrying!

Typically the PET would not have the resolution (microscopic) that the pathologist would have. This is in no way intended to scare you. Just stay with the medical experts and let them do their stuff.

Mark -- Thanks for replying. That's just what we are doing: PET scan, original ENT notes and slides are off to Hopkins, and he has an appointment in three weeks. Will hope for a cancellation so he can be seen sooner.