| Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 | Chloe:
My cancer was detected by a biopsy. That is the only way to tell. Both times Ive had a biopsy it was the type where the oral surgeon cut a piece of tissue and sent it to the lab. The stage of my cancer was measured by the PET scan. This also told my doctors that my cancer had not spread to any lymph nodes. One thing to understand about PET scans is that they do give alot of false positive results. To prepare for a PET scan drink at least 48 oz water the day before and avoid sugar, carbs, and exercise.
Its ok to be pro active. Its good to be prepared. Having cancer is a long process to become cancer free. Please dont let it steal your time from you. Right now is the best time to cherish what is most important to you and enjoy your life. The time spent waiting for results will go by much faster and easier if you do enjoyable things and stay busy.
Im sorry Im not familiar with dysplasia. Best thing for you to do is get checked with a biopsy. Then you will know.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
