| | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | The study that I was in at Ohio State did a brush on me every visit. This was after surgeries. It gives them a way to make sure there aren't any intruders. Just like a guard dog. Lets them know if trouble is approaching. It's works as a safe guard. Nothing to it as far as pain or anything.
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: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | You mentioned in your initial post that the surgeon saw a red and irritated area. I assumed that this was the area that needed a biopsy. If that area is still present after 10 days to two weeks, it should have a biopsy.
Jerry
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: Jul 2006 Posts: 15 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 15 | Thank you! Is a negative soft tissue MRI with and without contrast a reliable confirmation of no cancer? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 |
Harry:
Im not too familiar with the MRI as results for not having cancer. My experience is only a biopsy of the tissue will tell for sure if its cancer.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 | The only way something can be determined if it's cancer or not is through a biopsy.
7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 | I picture myself, primary surgeon, a couple of residents, etc, all looking at a recent CT scan which does not show a sore that won't heal and thickened flesh on the inside of my throat at BOT, but it is there and a biopsy confirms it to be SCC. Radiologist didn't see it either. In this case, it did show on the MRI... The tools are not infallible.
Age 67 1/2
Ventral Tongue SCC T2N0M0G1 10/05
Anterior Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 6/08
Base of Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 12/08
Three partial glossectomy (10/05,11/05,6/08), PEG, 37 XRT 66.6 Gy 1/06
Neck dissection, trach, PEG & forearm free flap (6/08)
Total glossectomy, trach, PEG & thigh free flap (12/08)
On August 21, 2010 at 9:20 am, Pete went off to play with the ratties in the sky.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 15 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 15 | Thank you for the input everyone. I have found some interesting articles regarding detection of oral cancer using various imaging types. I went back to the oral surgeon who said the earlier area/spot was not distinguishable enough to biopsy. Again, this guy has several years of H/N cancer experience. My tongue symptoms are getting worse, painful and more frequent. Went back to one of the ENT's and he did a thorough exam of my tongue and ran a scope down my nose/throat to see the base and said he didn't see anything. I understand the suggestion to biopsy, but I wouldn't know where to tell them to cut and they said without a defined area, nerve damage is a real possiblity. The one positive note is the swelling on the left (chewing) side of my tongue seems to have subsided over the past few days. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 113 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 113 | The first ENT dr we went to ran a scope down jim's nose/throat and everything looked good, but his tongue was tethered down causing his speech to slur and it was hard to eat...the first ENT dr. sent us to Pittsburgh as the scan showed something was going on. What did the doctors say it was ? It's not normal to have those symptoms and noone giving you a diagnosis. It may not be cancer at all, but it is still something...Keep us posted. Claudia
Husband 2/3 tongue removed March 2008. Free flap. . Stage IV. Radiation and 3 chemo's (cisplatin,taxol & erbitux). .Pet scan Aug 08 showed mets to lungs .Oct 08, recurrence. - In the arms of Jesus, July 15, 2009
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Its been a month now since you said the problems started. How about finding another doctor who is familiar with oral cancer. An ENT, or possible an oral surgeon, either one who treats many OC patients on a regular basis. Just because the doc said he has several years of H&N cancer experience doesnt mean he is overly familiar with it. Maybe he sees one a year. My ENT currently treats 5 people I know who have or have had oral cancer, and thats only people I know. Im sure he sees many many more OC patients weekly. Your doctor should be able to identify what area needs the biopsy. Best of luck, please keep us updated.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 | For example, the surgical teams at UW Med Center do three-four free flaps a week! A couple of years experience by one person just doesn't compare.
Age 67 1/2
Ventral Tongue SCC T2N0M0G1 10/05
Anterior Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 6/08
Base of Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 12/08
Three partial glossectomy (10/05,11/05,6/08), PEG, 37 XRT 66.6 Gy 1/06
Neck dissection, trach, PEG & forearm free flap (6/08)
Total glossectomy, trach, PEG & thigh free flap (12/08)
On August 21, 2010 at 9:20 am, Pete went off to play with the ratties in the sky.
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