Hello folks

During September I developed a large painful lesion on the inside of my right maxilla up near the soft palate. I seemed to appear out of the blue - there are no teeth in the gum there, I don't wear dentures or drink or smoke. I completed radiation 3.5 years ago.

In October the tissue plus bone shavings were biopsied and were negative for cancer. However the area would not heal. I was thoroughly scanned (again negative for cancer, yippee) and finally the lesion was diagnosed as osteoradionecrosis.

This link to OCF main site gives details of osteoradionecrosis:

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/dental-complications.htm

I was advised that if the area didn't heal the necrotic bone would have to be surgically removed and a free flap from the soft palate used to heal the area because of the risk of infection. This was tentatively scheduled for February. (January is vacation time in Australia).

However I am pleased to report that the lesion is now healing quickly and I can't see major surgery being necessary. It is good to know that my gums are healthy enough to recover from the trauma of biopsy, stitches etc.

My mouth and teeth were well prepared prior to radiation and I look after them well so I am surprised that this has happened.

Has anyone else had a similar experience and if so, what was your treatment?

Love from Helen