Two biopsies of the gingiva near near my right premolar came back SCC or fungal infection; positive SCC; and finally, severe dysplasia. I had a marginal mandibulectomy June 17 with the removal of 4 back teeth. Easy surgery through the mouth, so no external cutting or stitches. Recovery isn't too bad - swollen face & lips, black & blue, can't chew. Surgeon had hoped to remove one less tooth because of the final report & a clear CT scan...

EXCEPT

That nasty SCC showed up - not at the biopsy site, but between the roots of the affected tooth, where it has turned the bone to soft tissue.

Surgeon said the SCC was about 0.5 cm. & that he got clear margins at 1.5 cm. However, the bone beneath the SCC is being tested to find out if it has been invaded, and if so, how much.
That test will take about a week because the bone has to be decalcified. What happens next depends on that result. If the SCC invaded only a little, nothing more needs to be done because of the clear margins. I don't know what lies ahead if the invasion is more extensive, & I'm not going to speculate because that will drive me nuts.

My surgeon had hoped for a more positve result because of the lack of symptoms, other than the sore bump on my gum with pearls that weren't SCC. But the SCC was hidden. I have to say the oral surgeon suspected this, however.

So, I wait. Again.

Marlene



Marlene