Hi group, I met with Dr. Ferris at Eye & Ear Hosp. (University of Pittsburgh) yesterday for post-op follow up from my Partial Glossectomy 3/10/09. I begged him to PLEASE suggest research on the mercury amalgam issue as a precursor to Oral Lichen Planus. I was tested a year ago the neighboring dermatoloty clinic (Falk Clinic, also U of Pitt), and tested positive for allergies to Mercury, Nickel, Cobalt. Then, I came home and found existing research. I thought you all might find valuable information there. BTW, Dr. Ferris is involved in the HPV studies, and has another study in progress for a "vaccination" against recurrance of SCC. They drew blood yesterday to see if I'm eligible for the study. About 50% have the correct blood type, they say.
http://www.flcv.com/olp.html

Linda Rose

Hi Linda -
Wow, that was an intensive article with a lengthy list of references going back several years! (I don't read things longer than what's on the back of a cereal box, so will have to read it gradually...lol). As I have mentioned to you previously, my husband had all his metal crowns replaced with porcelain, and I don't think he's had any problems since....a few biopsies, yes, but no cancer. His cancers seemed to erupt from his lichen planus/leukoplakia or the "lichenoid" category where his doctor in Gainesville likes to place them, from very near or adjacent to where his metal fillings/crowns were. But now that those are gone, he doesn't seem to have the flare-ups as much. Of course, he also had laser treatment on the lichenoids, so that may help too. His doctor also has him on a full-strength aspirin a day (as long as it doesn't affect his stomach) plus the mouthwash I mentioned previously. Thanks for sharing that article - it was certainly right up the alleyway of those of us whose suspicions include metal amalgams. Warmly, JaneP : )