Hello,
My husband had his left jaw bone, part of the base of his mouth, bit of his tongue and part of his neck removed in June. He just finished radiation and chemo 3 weeks ago. Ever since his surgery he has had pretty consistent pain in his jaw and face. About 3 weeks into radiation he started getting a lump on his neck near an incision line. Within a few days this tore open on part of the incision line (1/2 inch) and a bunch of fluid came oozing out. This has continued since then. A week ago he discovered if he pushes on his neck and chin he can ooze this fluid out in his mouth too. The Dr's have told us a few things this could be which are.... Damage to the lymph nodes and they will discover new channels to remove fluid over time.
Possible fistula running from one place to another.
Something that just has not healed completely from surgery.
We immediately questioned if this was an infection. The Dr's did not seem to think it was pus and said no. They feel as long as it drains that is good. It ranges from a milky, brown and/or reddish color.
Has anyone else experienced this. What did it end up being? How long before it healed. Are there some tests we could ask they do? They are waiting until 10 weeks out to do another PetScan. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank so.
Tamara (Kyle's wife)
Kyle - Tumor in tongue removed 3/07 - Chemo/rad followed. Tumor again in part tongue/base mouth/part of neck and around jaw - 6/08 - Chemo/rad followed. Age - 43 non smoker