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| | Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 1 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Aug 2015 Posts: 1 | Hi, I have had 4 biopsies on my Tongue in the last four years. I have Leukoplakia which appears to be Mild Dysplasia which keeps recurring. My oral surgeon told me, today. The best option is a more involved biopsy with an pathologist in the room looking at the samples util we get clean margins. it is my decision . He doesn�t know what he would do in my situation. Seems invasive, but I am worry I don�t want to ignore this. Looking for advice. From people who know more about this. The oral surgeon seems competent -- he said he is ok with either direction I choose (Frequent Follow up or more Surgery to get clear margins)
Anyone experience something like this in the early stages?
What type of doctor should i see, if not the Oral Surgeon?
Is this deeper biopsy really invasive?
I live in Southern Cal any advice on professionals is also appreciated.
I am 51, non smoker, lite drinker. Family history of other cancers. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 757 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 757 Likes: 1 | I would recommend seeing an Ear Nose & Throat doctor (otolaryngologist) - one that treats oral cancer patients. Is there a major cancer center near you? Can your oral surgeon recommend an ENT?
Dysplasia is a pre-cancer - it could change to cancer at some point, but it may never. I've have 4 surgeries on my tongue (same location each time) and the last 2 were done as your oral surgeon suggested. This procedure is also know as "frozen sections" where the pathologist will examine samples until they get clean margins. They also use a blue dye during the procedure that aids them in identifying abnormal cells.
There is a lot of great information on the main pages of the OCF website, and it has a search function.
Wishing you the best!
Susan
SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0
Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV-
Surgery: June 2005
RT: Feb-Apr 2006
HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105!
Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010
Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia
Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia
Dental issues: 2013-2025 (ORN of lower jaw)
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | My advice is - aside from being seen by an ENT who deals specifically with oral cancer, go ahead and have a nice chunk removed. Consider it preventative therapy. If someone had offered me that option prior to being diagnosed with cancer I would have jumped on it. Playing it safe or worrying that it's over kill - has actually killed numerous people. Hugs
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 66 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 66 | Have you gone for a second opinion at a major cancer center?
HPV+ P16 positive squamous cell carcinoma
Oct 2014 found neck node lumps
Went to Oncologist (TNBC)
Ultrasound
2 CT Scans - body/head and neck
Needle & core biopsy
Pet Scan
Biopsy to find primary w/ anesthesia - failed
Second Opinion found primary & biopsied
Biopsy confirmed HPV+ P16 Squamous cell carcinoma
Radical Neck Dissection 11/22/2014
32 lymph nodes removed - 3 positive
Ported 12/29/14
Chemo and rads to start January 5, 2015
cisplatin weekly 40 mg/m2
Rads M-F for 7 weeks
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