My name is Barbara Boland and one year ago I was diagnosed with stage 1 SCC of the tongue. I underwent a partial glossectomy and a modified neck dissection on 7/1/03. I was 41 at the time, never smoked and drank only socially. I am also a dental hygienist. I noticed the unusual tissue on my tongue and showed to a family member who is an ENT/head and neck surgeon. He said "it's nothing". A couple of dentists also said it was nothing. Finally after four months, a dentist performed a brush biopsy, which showed atypical cells. That was followed with a scalpel biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis. I can't help but feel that if I were not a hygienist I would not have been diagnosed until much later.

I have made it a goal of mine to eduate dental and medical professionals about the importance of early diagnosis of this horrible disease. I am going to be speaking to a group of about 100 dental professionals next month and I know that our stories can be powerful motivators for people who do not have experience with this disease.

What I am looking for are people who are willing to share the story of how your original diagnosis was made. Did you find the lesion yourself? Did a dentist or hygienist make the initial call? was your diagnosis and treatment delayed due to non-diagnosis or mis-diagnosis?

If you are willing to tell your story and will allow me to share it with dental professionals, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Barb Boland