#70101 02-19-2008 09:01 PM | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 | Hi everyone! This site seems like an amazing resource.
I'm getting a biopsy on my palate in a couple of days. I have a dark painless spot where the hard palate meets the soft palate. I noticed it about a month ago, but chances are I've had it for longer. My dentist originally thought it was a petechia, but when it didn't heal he referred me to an oral surgeon.
I've also had a mild sore throat off and on for a few months now. I never made a connection between this and the spot on my palate until recently -- I'm hoping it's just a coincidence.
Anyway, I've been researching the possibilities as to what this "pigmented lesion" might be, and frankly I'm more than a little confused (not to mention anxious!). Neither the original oral surgeon I saw or the one I later switched to (the first couldn't do the biopsy for over a month) have been very helpful or forthcoming about what this might be, despite all my questions. I am hoping it is just a mole, but they didn't seem to agree on even basic things: one described it as red and wanted to do an excisional biopsy; the other said it was brown (less than a week later!) and wants to do an incisional biopsy.
I am getting the incisional biopsy in a few days, but I am still not sure if it's the right thing to do. If it's malignant, it could seed the tumor, and if it's benign, my understanding is that the entire thing would still need to be removed eventually. I'd rather cut the whole thing out, but he says there would be too much bleeding.
I realize no one here can tell me what the spot on my palate is, but if you could share your thoughts about the different kinds of biopsies (their effectiveness and how long they take to heal), as well as any other thoughts about my situation, I'd be really grateful. I'm wondering if maybe I should see an ENT specialist, or maybe I should just wait until after the biopsy before moving to someone perhaps more equipped to deal with these issues.
Thanks in advance!
Miss Maybe
Last edited by Miss Maybe; 02-19-2008 09:02 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 | Dear MM,
I hope that your spots are what my dermatologist long ago termed a skin spot: an FLS......."a funny-looking spot." I have had surgery for SCC of the hard palate and adjacent maxilla, so if it turns out to require surgery, you can ask me some questions. My surgery did not involve the soft palate. It goes right near it, but is confined to the hard palate.
Yes, this is the very best source for information of all sorts, and for comfort and support, even if others don't have the same type of problem.
It seems that an oral surgeon in Southern California should be able to do the preliminary work of diagnosing your spot, especially if you are getting a biopsy. If it comes back to indicate cancer, then i would recommend going to a cancer center.
Keep us posted, and if surgery is required, let me know. I might have more information for you then.
XO--Colleen
Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Do what you have to , but just make sure you get it done. You have to satisfy your own mind before it will be at ease. And please , ask a lot of questions.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | I would get the biopsy as soon as you can. That's the only way to be sure one way or the other.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 | Dear Colleen, Jim, and David,
Thank you so much for your words of support! I'm glad I moved the biopsy up to Friday (the original surgeon wanted to wait until late March). Until then, I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's just a funny-looking spot.
I'll keep you updated, and many thanks again!
-MM | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | As everyone before us taught us to say..."it's not cancer until the path report confirms it is" so let's hope for the best.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 | MM: Sending positive thoughts your way....hoping for a good report. Post and let us know the results. We're here to help you!
Lois & Buzz in NC
CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement;
T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A
28 IMRT +
6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin
Getting stronger every day!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 | Thanks to all of you! I had the biopsy on my palate today -- no pain, just frustration at only being able to eat soft foods! I will get the pathology report in a week to ten days, and I will definitely report back with the news.
I really appreciate everyone's advice and support. This is a wonderful board! And of course I wish everyone the best with their struggles with these diseases.
MM | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I'm so glad you got it . The waiting can get to you if you let it so keep your mind busy. I go this coming Tues for more biopsies so the Drs know what they are up against Next friday with the implants. here's hoping you get nothing but good news from the biopsies Miss Maybe.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 5 | Thank you, Jim, and I will keeping my fingers crossed for your biopsies on Tuesday. I hope the implant surgery on Friday also goes well!
MM | | |
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