| | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5 | how does X-ray compare with incisional biopsy for detecting oral cancer (primarily tongue area) ? Does it differ what stage the cancer is ? alternatives ?
Last edited by james73; 12-06-2010 08:26 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 65 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 65 | An x-ray of your tongue will not give you any definitive diagnosis. Only a biopsy will, under microscopic inspection, give you a black and white answer. It is NOT a big deal to get a tissue biopsy on your tongue.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | James, don't worry about the biopsy. It's a piece of cake and hopefully will put your mind at ease.
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I've had many biopsies and the only one that hurt much was the one taken below my left ear and the shots wouldn't numb the area. Otherwise no problems with them.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 72 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2010 Posts: 72 | I agree that a biopsy is necessary and simple. My husband�s oral surgeon didn�t even deaden the area. He took a quick swipe with a sharp scalpel and it was done in less than 2 seconds. However, I suggest that you have it done by an ENT. That way it will be cover by your health insurance. We paid the $937 biopsy cost plus the pathologist�s fee out of pocket because our health insurance did not cover our oral surgeon�s fees. Call your insurer first!
Susan, CG to husband, diagnosed April 2010, age 56, non-smoker, no HPV
Mandibulectomy on left side May 2010 followed by 30 radiation, 3 cisplatin treatments.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Yep Oral surgeons have to be OKD by your Ins. It seems your hubbys Oral Surgeon should have got the ENT for that job. I wish yor man the best and you too.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 95 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 95 | There is no substitute to biopsy. However, other studies such as MRI with contrast may be also helpful to establish the size of any suspected lesion and may assist the drs in performing the biopsy.
I Brook MD | | |
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