Charles had surgery on Feb 14 to remove 1.5 cm tumor (scc) right posterior lateral tongue. The incision required 10 stiches. We went for a follow up visit on Feb 25 and the doctor said wound healing well. I forgot to ask how much longer will it take for the stitches to dissolve. It seems like they were supposed to dissolve in 10 days but they are still there after 16 days. Because Charles has had radiation to this area in 2001 there is concern for the wounds healing. He is not in any pain, for that we are very thankful. His ENT is 140 miles away.

How long should it take for the stiches to heal? At what point should we be concerned enough to visit the Wound Care Center at our local hospital?

Sheryl

Last edited by LilyFoo; 03-03-2013 09:17 AM.
Wife/caregiver to Charles
ENT diagosed SCC Rt Tonsil Stage IV, MET 6 lymph nodes in neck 1/2001
Tonsillectomy, RND and six weeks RADS 2/2001
ENT diagnosis from CT scan, SCC in Rt tongue 2/13
25% of tongue removed 2/13 (clear margins)
SCC BOT with mets to 2 level 2 nodes and Lt. Delphian node 8/2014
Surgical biopsy shows cancer in larynx 9/2014
Laryngectomy, resection & rebuilt tongue w/ pectoral muscle, selective neck dissection 11/2014
Recurrences '16 HPV Neg No EGFR Mutations Detected