Well hello -

Here I am after reading today's USA today OpEd piece. Maybe my experience will be helpful or strike a chord with someone.

In May 1969, at the age of 14, I was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma in soft tissue behind my 1st molar in my upper jar.

It was spotted by the dentist: MESSAGE ONE: get those diagnostic exams regularly! Time is your friend and enemy. Mine was found by accident at an exam within three weeks of the removal of my braces, and the orthodontist had seen nothing. Fast moving.

I was (and am) not a smoker, nor was I a participant in the activities that spawn the HPV variety. MESSAGE TWO: Anyone can get it (apparently!).

The tumor was considered "encapsulated", i.e. it had not spread, and was probably removed pretty much by the biopsy. Radical surgery removed any remnants and a safety zone. I was left with a facial scar from mid lower lip down and along the jaw line about eight inches, and a vacant space where my three molars would have been, extending upward into my sinus area. I narrowly avoided any prosthesis. I was told the disease would have spread upward to my brain and become fatal within weeks.

As a child patient, this was all very wierd (14 year olds often consider themselves indestructable!), but it was traumatic for my parents.

For the record, surgery was performed at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, by Dr. Alvin Novack.

I am speechless.Does this disease have no respect?

Wow! Amazing! You really drive home how important early detection is for absolutely everyone! And I'm sure glad you are with us now to tell us of your experience.

It's only fair, if someone searches on m.e.c. to share that this event 37 years ago was not a cakewalk.

The surgery involved an incision that ran along the lower outside gum line inside my mouth, through to the neck on the outside and thus peeling my left face back for access to the area aft of my teeth. Sorry I can't think of a gentler term <g>. The tumor excision area was covered by a skin graft removed from my thigh. (Still no leg hair growing in my mouth!)

Healing took an entire summer, with lots of time to watch all of the coverage of the Apollo 11 trip to the moon. After effects: to this day I can't open my mouth as wide as I once did. That summer there were lots of homemade energy/high calorie/protein drinks prepared by my mother - there weren't many commercial versions available back then!

Due to the invasion into my sinus, I'm told my voice took on a different tone, but not so bad I guess - I currently sing in the Colorado Symphony Chorus!

Some years after the surgery I had cosmetic surgery to lessen the appearance of the scar - there seemed no need to be reminded any longer. But my awareness has risen in recent years with all the attention on Lance Armstrong's survivorship advocacy, and now having found this site. I feel I have no "needs" as a survivor, but if I can help someone even a little by just supplying my story and kinship, that's what I'm here for.

Dear Bob, THANK YOU for being here. Amy in the Ozarks

Bob

Thank you for sharing . A few weeks ago my 14 year old was having some real bad problems and I told the ER Dr that I get paraniod and my history ....Then I said even though I know it isn't possible....and he told me You are wrong it is possible.

I didn't know what to beleive as no one had much info on it when I was diag so how did this guy know. But know you confirmed ..somthing that scares me ..that is my kids could be at risk . But Atleast I know and I know what to watch for as well and I won't always think I am crazy for wanting it checked. She as well has >NO RISK FATCORS > other then a mother with a DIAG . and it ended up being a really bad abcess.... But it was a long few days for them to figure it out .

Bob,

I have to say again, fantastic post. One week ago today I was diagnosed with low grade m.e.c. in my palate and will be undergoing what sounds like a similar procedure.

I'm very glad to hear yours was 37 years ago as I struggle with dark thoughts, what if's on the surgery and the prognosis in general, and so on.

I hope I can leave a post for someone that returns the favor yours did for me.