I am scared. Lower lip lesion to be biopsied Wed. afternoon 1pm.
Recent 27# unexplained weight loss. ENT surgeon states looks like oral CA. I have never smoked and only used ETOH probably no more than 5 times in my 60 years. I feel alone. Brian I have read and re-read your posts and you are an inspiration. I am locked into an HMO with only 1 group of ENT specialists. There are several partners there. Do I need to go outside the network for the 2nd opinion or do you think a second opinion in that group would be OK? Money is definitely an issue as I am self supporting. The ENT explained to me last week about flap resection/radiation of the lower lip. I feel sure that My Heavenly Father will take care of me but this doesn't keep me from being afraid. I guess it all boils down to the results of this biopsy. I wish he had never said the "C" word.

Hi there - hopefully its not cancer! However if it is do your research - if you are tied to a group of drs. Make sure you pick the best of the best. Within that group. In my opinion. A second opinion wouldn't hurt but if it comes back positive for oral scc - then time is also of the essence. The best thing to do is be looked at at a ccc - there they've seen it all and will know what to do. Though weight loss - unexplained - is generally a sign of CA - its usually only when it's very advanced - and it doesn't sound to me like yours is... (if it's cancer) unless you've had this lesion for quite a while . Someone here will correct me if I'm wrong on that statement but I don't think I am - is your neck okay? Good luck and many blessings to you - hoping you have a tape worm or something, and the lesion is just a canker! It's not CA until the biopsy says it is... Take care

Hi Lin, welcome to OCF! Im not sure what ETOH means. I hope you do not need to be here. Sadly drinking and smoking are not the only ways a person gets oral cancer. There are many who are HPV+ and then there are also some who have no known cause. If you do have oral cancer you are in the right place for info and support.

A practice which has several doctors will not give you a second opinion. If possible you would want to be treated at a large cancer center. There is your best chance at beating this horrible disease. Treatments can include surgery or radiation with out without chemo, sometimes both. At a cancer center the professionals will all get together and discuss your individual case. Lets not jump too far ahead. First get the biopsy results and take it from there. Make sure you get copies of everything.

Just in case, here is a list of cancer centers.
Cancer Centers

Thank You so very much. I have read about everyone's trials and tribulations and have gotten so much insight and comfort. Actually, it is what it is and I have absolutely no control of the diagnosis but I can control just how I educate myself and go into this biopsy well informed on Wed. I have read so many options and since visiting these forums, I have a whole new light on the situation. Actually the biopsy won't lie so if it is positive I will need to change directions and set out on this journey and get through what I have to. I recently got through the death of my 33 yr. old son and his 28 yr. old wife in a plane crash. Nothing that anyone can tell me will ever be such a shock and pain as that has been. I would have to say this is just about as bad as it can get. I feel all of your support, kindness and concern and I will visit after the biopsy and especially the results. Prayers to you all!

Hi Christine, Thank you for the support and concern and the welcome. I would have never thought I would be visiting this site even though as a Retired RN we used to give some of our patients the address.
I guess what has bothered me is the unexplained wt. loss, the large swollen glands in the back of my neck and I do have numbness in the right side of my face and rt. inside lower lip where the lesion is located. I already have a port-a-cath implanted in my left arm for malnutrition even though 5 yrs. ago I weighed 274#. I now barely tip the scales at 112#. I had so many PICC lines, Hickman catheters and developed so many clots from them and a horrific blood infection that grew 5 different types of bacteria. Hospitalized a long long time. At least I have my port so if I need chemo or nutrition, I won't have to have a peg or feeding tube. Thank You so much for the recommendation of cancer centers. I live in Vinton, VA and we have Carilion Clinic (similar to Mayo) and an excellent Cancer Center where they know me well. Have a diagnosis of pre-lymphoma from my bone marrow studies and severe anemia that requires monthly iron infusions. We have a very wonderful medical school here it is the Carilion/Virginia Tech school of Medicine and Research Center. My primary care Dr. has been my dr. for over 18 years and the oncologist/hematologist has been working with me for 7 years. I don't doubt I will get good care but I just feel that before resection/chemo/radiation I definitely want a second opinion from another Cancer Center. One that you have recommended. I guess a lot of my fear is rooted in the fact that I already have this predisposition for cancer cells per my bone marrow studies so I will not be so surprised to learn that it has come full circle. You would think at age 60, I would/could be adult about this but I am scared like a little kid getting a shot. Thank You so very much. You just don't know how helpful you are and I feel I have made an instant friend. I will keep you posted about Wed. They are also sending me for a sleep study on the 20th for 2 nights at the hospital. Something about if there has to be a resection and recovery they need to make sure I am able to breathe OK. Ever heard of that? Seems strange to me. Oh, by-the-way, ETOH is the medical slang for using alcohol. If I can ever be of help to you or anyone on this site, please do not hesitate to let me know. I have already started a binder with my dental records, oral surgeon records, Primary Care and ENT since this started about 4 months ago. Thanks

Lin, sorry to hear about all of your medical problems. I also had a port but still had the feeding tube. Lets not worry about any of that until you get the biopsy results. Its NOT cancer til the biopsy says it is.

Best wishes with your tests!!!

Lin - I am so sorry about the loss of your son and his wife! For certain you don't need this to add to the stress. I too used to be a nurse - I think most of us hav the - it is what it is - mentality but then we get up and prepare to do battle. I had my mom and step dad with me throughout ... I could feel my mom in particular with me. Your son will be at your side watching out if you need it... Hopefully you won't. Take care.

Dear Lin,
I am so sorry for all that you have had to endure in the the past. Some of us get more than our fair share of trials, that's for sure. The fear is completely normal and you needn't beat yourself up for feeling like a "little kid". It's so hard not to get ahead of yourself when you're waiting for test results. I, too, am a medical professional and we can especially drive ourselves nuts when we are patients! I am hoping that all comes back benign and that you can move forward without any difficult treatment. If it is CA, then you do the next right thing by seeking the best care possible. We are all here for you, regardless.

Hoping and wishing for the best,
Kerri

Any news on the biopsy?