I have seen those dogs on TV realiy shows. It's aaazing what animals can do . I forgot about them Liz and thanks for reminding me.

My partner gets what we thought was an overload of saliva which as the cancer progresses is getting worse. It has a very strong smell as well. Is this the same thing all of you are talking about? It's like nothing I have ever smelt but I would know the smell anywhere. He hasn't started treatment yet and I've read that saliva dries up with radiation. Should I be expecting this to go away or will it stay?

Wendy,

Get this checked out as soon as you can. My only experience with those types of odor issues is from this site hearing from caregivers in very late stages of this cancer usually when the cancer is about to or has already broken through the facial skin. Infection can also cause bad odor as well as an imbalance of the bacteria in the mouth but your description of the odor bothers me.

What Cookey is talking about is also known as tissue necrosis (which is the medical name for tissue death). For what it's worth this is an ENT or head and neck surgeon direct visualization exam and/or scope.

As David stated, a nasty infection could be the cause as well.

I have to admit that my RO did VERY thorough oral cavity exams but she also specialized in H&N cancer at a major CCC.

This odor would be quite prominent, far over the top, than bad breath or halitosis. In a totally different league than so-called cancer sniffing dogs. They wouldn't have to have scent capabilities 100X more sensitive then human smell for this odor. It would probably overwhelm their sensitive sense of smell.

And your mind certainly can imprint scents. I still smell the burnt flesh from a nasal cauterization (for a nosebleed) I had, as a child, whenever I get a cold.

WOW, as I was reading this it just reminded me of how my husband talked about how bad my breath smelled before I was diagnosed. He even told the ENT that my breath stunk no matter how many times I brushed my teeth. I never could smell it. I guess maybe I should have him smell my breath more often to make sure there is no reoccurence. I am sure he would like that.

lol....Angelina, I'm sure he would be happy to smell your breath for you. My husband checks my tongue all the time with a flashlight. I try to brush before we investigate but I usually don't and he still does it.

A few months ago i was clearing out my spare romm,and i opened a drawer in the wardobe unit.The smell hit my nose,and i was immediately transported back to 18 months previously.It was a tee shirt that rob had worn when he was sick.When i closed up the flat in hampshire i had to fumigate the whole place as no amount of cleaning products would get rid of the smell.Its truly unforgetable.

The story about the dogs was a side bar gary and not intended to refer to the smell of necrotic tumour or tissue.I believe the dogs are able to scent cancer even before a diagnosis has been made.

liz

Thanks Davidcpa, I'll mention it to the doctors again on the next visit. The smell is not bad, just very strong so I don't think it's an infection. And it's clear as well, just like saliva. We've mentioned it to the doctor's a few times now but none of them have made comment on it. I might have to get a bit tougher with them I think.

You must be persistant with doctors if they don't answer you. I've had to be a real biotch at times which is not my nature but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

I couldn't agree more about being persistent. I think the doctors think we don't know what we're talking about sometimes. My mom goes to a lot of appointments with me because Ray is at work. She can get down right embarrassing!! She doesn't take any crap and demands answers...lol My poor doctors.