Someone said something about biopsy being the gold standard...well, it may not be because it depends on who is reading it.
I had a sore bump on my gum that developed a white patch.
The dfferential diagnosis from the first (snip)biopsy was fungus or buccal squamous cell carcinoma. Recommended a larger biopsy.
Second biopsy - diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma.
Saw head/neck surgeon who said, "this doesn't make sense." I had no risk factors, the carcinoma said "buccal," even though it was on my gingiva, it just popped up, & each dr. who looked at this said he hadn't seen anything like that before.
Had CT scan - it was negative (normal).
Another set of drs. looked at biopsy & diagnosed it as severe dysplasia, with a strong suspicion of carcinoma.
Everyone who looked at biopsy said - remove the lesion. So, I'm having a right marginal mandibulectomy (removing 4 teeth) June 17 because they treat it as if it is cancer. I would not want to jeopardize my health, but this is confusing & disturbing because it's like they're saying - you don't have cancer, but you might.
Aside from that, I have no idea what comes after this surgery. I realize it's minor, compared to what many of you have had, but can someone tell me what I have to look forawrd to?
Thanks,
Marlene