I posted a few weeks ago because of spot in my mouth. My dentist was treating as a Thrust infection.
I saw a oral surgeon this morning. I thought at most they would just do a biopsy. My surgeon said no he wanted to remove the whole area. That it would be actual surgery.
They are doing it in the morning. I think one reason I am scared as it seems to be happening so fast.
My surgeon seems to think its one of three things.
A fungus, a pre-cancerous area or cancer.
He did tell me he may have to go down into the muscle area.
Has anyone here had an area removed where they went into the muscle of the cheek? Was it very painful? Does it leave any premament damage to the cheek muscle? I forgot to ask my oral surgeon as I was kinda in a daze.
Thanks for listening, Debbie

Deb,

I'm not sure how big the "area" is that your doctor is talking about, but I don't understand the rationale for something that sounds that invasive without getting a biopsy first. Sixteen years ago, when my oral surgeon first suspected that I might have cancer on my tongue, he purposely did nothing beyond the biopsy stage until he could get a full pathology report and the advice of a head and neck cancer team. I believe the reason was that a more extensive surgical procedure up-front could create significant scar tissue that might impede additional treatments that would be necessary in the event it was cancerous.

I would urge you to get a biopsy first so you will have a better sense as to what you are dealing with.

Cathy

Now I don't know what to do. Hes suppose to be a good oral surgeon. Maybe he thinks if it is oral cancer he can get all of it? Or maybe he wants as much of the area he can get when he sends it off to pathology?
I just wish I had more time to decide.
Thanks for replying.
Debbie

Deb,

The thing that concerns me about your post is your comment that everything seems to be happening so fast and you haven't had a chance to get reasonable answers to some serious questions about the extent of your surgery.

It seems to me if it's not cancer, then there's no reason to rush almost overnight into what sounds like a major procedure. If it IS cancer (which a biopsy should be able to tell you), you should then get the input of an experienced cancer team, who undoubtedly would have scans done to help determine the best course of treatment from there.

Cathy

Hello Deb,

I agree with Cathy, Why would you have such serious invasive surgery without a pathlogy report? It may not be cancer. If it is cancer your case should be evalauted by a team of doctors. It seems to me you are being rushed into this right now. I only want you to have the best treatment that applies to a firm DX.

Best Wishes, Danny Boy

I am so stress! I not only have to worry about oral cancer now I am worried sick if my surgeon is doing the right thing.
My husband is coming in from out town in a few hours. I am going to tell him I want to wait and get a second opinon. I think I need more answers from the surgeon and a second opinon. Surely one week would not make a difference?
Debbie

Hi Deb,
I'd call the docyor and get some answers to your concerns. Are you certain that he is not just doing a surgical biopsy like they did with the one lymph node in my neck. That allowed them to get the answers they needed accurately and immediately. A second opinion never hurts.

Take care,
Eileen

Just wanted to let all of you know I did have the surgery yesterday. Before I had it my husband and I had long talk with my surgeon. I wanted to tell all of you that you gave me the courage to speak up and ask questions!
The reason he wanted to take the whole area out now was if its cancer he hopes he got it all. He seems to think area was small enough to do this.
I get my results next Wed. Please say a prayer for me.
Thank you, Debbie

Deb,

I hope the pathology report shows that it wasn't cancerous and that you don't have to deal with a recurrence of whatever it was.

However, if it does turn out to be cancerous, please DO NOT take the word of a single surgeon that he "got it all". Unfortunately there are too many people here who heard those words and developed a false sense of security from them.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing when you get the results.

Cathy