So, having been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in March (2022), I made it to surgery on April 6. The surgery went very well and turned out to be less extensive than planned. The surgeons removed all affected gum tissue (the tongue was not affected) on the lower right, along with the saliva gland and whatever else they normally take. Samples of the bone were taken and all lymph nodes in my neck on the right side were removed. The lab reported no cancer in the bone or lymph nodes! The surgeons were able to close the incision in my mouth by pulling the tongue over to the right a little, so no tissue from my arm was required, and I didn't need a tracheostomy or a feeding tube. I was out of the hospital in three days. Two weeks later I was healing well, and the doctors said I would not need either radiation or chemo. Less than a week after that, suspicious gum tissue was discovered on the left (other) side of my mouth, and a biopsy confirmed that it was also squamous cell carcinoma. So far, I haven't managed to talk to my doctors about it, as they appear to be too busy to even give me a call.

I have a question for the forum: I had an implant on the lower right which was pretty much the center of the cancer assault there. I also have one on the lower left, where the new carcinoma is. Does anyone know of a connection between implants and oral cancer?


Marian
Diagnosed Feb 2022; 4 teeth removed 4/1; surgery 4/6 on lower right. Cancer classified as Stage 1; did not invade jawbone, tongue or lymph node. No radiation or chemo. Two weeks later suspicious areas on gums on lower left of mouth. Biopsy showed more squamous cell carcinoma. No response from doctors yet.