I have been reading posts for the last two months since my recurrence of SCC of the gum tissue on the alveolar ridge and palate (no bone or lymph node involvement). I have yet to see another poster that has the same diagnosis and wondered if there were any others here? I had my 6 week post radiation check-up 2 weeks ago and talked to my surgeon about this and he said what I have/had is very unusual. I have nothing which predisposes me to oral cancer (no smoking, no HPV, only occasional glass of wine, etc.) so we don't know where this came from-which I know is usually the case with cancer. My main concern is future recurrences, and would like to find someone else with my diagnosis to share what their experience has been. In the end, I know none of us really knows, so we live life fully each day, being thankful for the days that we have. But I still feel that information is helpful in being more vigilant fighting this disease. Thank you if anyone else can share their experience with me.

Karen, there have been several members with this location of SCC including myself. I have had SCC 3 times. The first time I had 2 tumors which is unusual. The tumor was located inside my left cheek and the second tumor was behind my top left molar.

Everyone on here is slightly different with their tumors being in different locations. Most commonly you will find the members having OC on their tongue, base of tongue and tonsils. My cancer was due to being a smoker. Who knows why else caused me to end up with this horrible disease. Its very possible other factors came into play to cause my illness since I did NOT fit the criteria besides the tobacco use. Ive seen even more members who have gone thru OC in similar situations as you with no known cause and they did not fit the profile for an OC patient. Mush is known about SCC and OC but there is still much more to learn which is why research is vital to helping not only current but future OC patients. OCF funds research projects to help understand OC and also HPV.

Try not to worry about recurrences. I know you have had one and its a very terrifying thought. But, this is something beyond your control. You are doing everything you can to ensure you are not going to have another recurrence and unfortunately Gosh thats all that can be done. Wouldnt it be a great world if not just a cure for cancer were found but a way to prevent it from ever starting?

Hello karen


I dont have any advice at all as I am not even diagnosed yet but read your thread with interest as I have a very suspicious necrotic looking ulcer on gum at back of jaw.... I don't know if I will be joining this small band for sure but may be asking you both for advice soon.

Wishing you well

Hi Laura,
I hope you will not be joining us with a cancer diagnosis, but we are all here to share our experiences if you should need it. Keep us posted!
Karen

There are many suspected causes of SCCHN, infections, viruses, exposure to carcinogens, 2nd hand smoke, mouthwash, poor oral care, hereditary, diet, but none are really proven, except Epstein Bar virus for nasopharyngeal cancer.

You have SCC, which 90% HNC is, so some things may apply, and may have lots in common with folks here. I had 5 recurrences, so it's a concern to me.

There is a big thing now is with chemoprevention, through diet, avoiding carcinogens, adding more fruits and vegetables, taking certain vitamins, active surveillance, and then there are targeted therapies, like Tarceva or Erlotinib, Erbitux or Cetuximad, taken for long term, 6-12 months, as chemoprevention.

I hope this helps.