Well hello -

Here I am after reading today's USA today OpEd piece. Maybe my experience will be helpful or strike a chord with someone.

In May 1969, at the age of 14, I was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma in soft tissue behind my 1st molar in my upper jar.

It was spotted by the dentist: MESSAGE ONE: get those diagnostic exams regularly! Time is your friend and enemy. Mine was found by accident at an exam within three weeks of the removal of my braces, and the orthodontist had seen nothing. Fast moving.

I was (and am) not a smoker, nor was I a participant in the activities that spawn the HPV variety. MESSAGE TWO: Anyone can get it (apparently!).

The tumor was considered "encapsulated", i.e. it had not spread, and was probably removed pretty much by the biopsy. Radical surgery removed any remnants and a safety zone. I was left with a facial scar from mid lower lip down and along the jaw line about eight inches, and a vacant space where my three molars would have been, extending upward into my sinus area. I narrowly avoided any prosthesis. I was told the disease would have spread upward to my brain and become fatal within weeks.

As a child patient, this was all very wierd (14 year olds often consider themselves indestructable!), but it was traumatic for my parents.

For the record, surgery was performed at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, by Dr. Alvin Novack.