My GP did my biopsy today, for free. He also did the one 8 months ago that came back, benign.
He has been practicing for 54 years. He quit practicing surgery because of his age and malpractice insurance costs. He did 2 years as a pathologist.
My CONCERN here is how he took the biopsy.(same as last time) From looking up biopsy types, I found he did a PUNCH Type. He took it from 4 different areas, same as he did before.
Is this sufficiant??? Under types of biopsy it says this is used for moles and cervex.
Should I worry about this. Last time he was "very suspicious" about the sore on my tongue, but it was benign.
He said again that last time his eyes told him different then what the results were and sent me back to my dentist to have my lower dentures adjusted, and trimed and smoothed and it went away.
I Just Have A Bad Gut Feeling About This! Though I really trust this DR.
He's the one that wanted me to go to Shands CCC at Fla, St. in Gainsville, and not mess with local DRs. He is also the one who sent me to an ENT who told me I had cancer, but took no biopsy.
WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK??
High anxiety in So. Fla. Thanks, Petery

Gee, if it were me and I had lingering questions regarding my Dr. and my life depended on it, I would run as fast as I can to the nearest ENT and get it done right! Don't confuse devotion to your Dr who you obviously like to competentcy!

Jon

Take his advice: Go to Shands. Here is the link for the head and neck cancer specialists: http://www.shands.org/hospitals/UF/service/cancer/headandneckcancer.asp

Call the number on the page and explain your situation -- the person you talk with will make sure you get seen by the right specialist. Check to see if you should bring your biopsy report and slides with you for that first appointment or if you should send them in advance.

Given your level of concern, it would probably be a good idea to get checked at Shands (or at the University of Miami, if that is closer) even if the biopsy is negative, since the doctors there see far more cases in a year than your GP probably has seen in his entire career.

-- Leslie

Petey,
Do yourself a favor...take a DEEP breath. Now, take another one.

Call your Doctor, and ask him to prescribe something for your anxiety. You're not doing yourself any favors worrying as much as you are, and there are medications that will help you with the anxiety. You need to get that under control first, so that you can make rational decisions about your next step.

It is horrifying, terrifying, almost unmanageable. You can't fight the beast effectively unless you get ahold of your tension. You have to manage your fear and make the right decisions about your next steps.

Remember, we're all here to help...we've been down the path ourselves.
Wayne

Thanks. but question still not answered...

Jon- He sent me to ENT who said it was cancer, but did not biopsy.

Leslie- Can't afford to go to Shands (260+ miles) to get biopsy & wait for results. Will go if malignant. ( most likely )

Wayne- You may be right, but I have been clean & sober for almost 4 months, for the first time in 35, yes, 35 yrs. And I am enjoying it. I just escaped from HELL, and landed in another HELL. And I do not wan't to be in two HELLS at the same time. I'll take my pain meds when I need them. I need to think very, very clearly here....

Do you think this punch type biopsy is sufficiant,as described in my post? My DR explained the whole biopsy, procedure, how it must sit overnight, and be sliced by a magnatometer, then examined. He is an ex-pathologist. My concern is the peices seemed so small, My tongue bled in all 4 plcs, but did not need stitches.

Maybe I am just freaking out. But MY GUT instincts
are usually correct. I'm fighting 3 wars at the same.

Punch biopsies seem like a reasonable approach. They are typically used for regions of interest of the skin (or squamous tissue). It is only contraindicated for melanoma. Most biopsies take a day or so for slide prep, reading and report.

Considering your history though, if it were me, I'd be getting down to that CCC. Call the social worker they may have temporary housing for patients.

It's all the same war - it's called "living life on life's terms". If you don't have a sponsor GET ONE!

Pete,

My biopsy came back negative when it should have been positive. That's why they tell you 99% accuracy. The best thing that I ever did was had it removed anyway...it saved my life.

Rob

Petey -
Just wanted you to know Shands was recommended for my husband following his diagnosis of oral cancer. We are very happy with the Doctors there, the aggressive treatment, and fully understandable options they laid out for him. We continue to see his doctor up there every 3 or 4 months or so, since his first surgery in March of 2002. We hope you can manage to get to Shands for your treatment, IF indeed, you are found to have cancer. My husband can't remember having a punch biopsy, so I can't answer that query. These doctors know oral cancer, so please go to Shands for answers, once and for all. If you have any questions, please email us. Dick and JaneP

Petey,

I understand that you don't want to travel to Shands right now. Isn't there a good cnacer hospital in Tampa called Moffit. That's where davidcpa was treated and he says that they were terrific there. I know you don't have health insurance but most hospitals have social workers/programs and payment options. As far as biopsies go my first was negative and my second was positive. The only difference was two different ENT Surgeons/pathologists/hospitals.

You've got to fight this battle head on...

Tim

Petey

I cant answer much for Punch biopsy , they decided to remove my lesion ...becuase "There was no way I had cancer " ..after the removed it and biopsied it ..oops I did have cancer. I know you are going through alot right now ..with being newly sober right now...But wayne is right , you need to take a breathe...and get your thoughts together, if this does turn out to be cancer ...you need to be of the most sound mind possible as there is alot to comprehend and consider..we are all always here for you .....It can take alot of research and Fighting (ins co and such ) to get exaclty what you need . there are programs out there depending on where you are and where you are going.....where there is a will there is def a way !!! I can help you do as much research as possible as I sit here recovering from my surgery . Give me names of towns and all and we can find out what programs are avail in your area! Got pretty good at dealing with the nonsense part of it LOL.....Keep your chin up....it is a fight ..but if you can do soberity( another big fight ) you can do this !!! You can always email me too ..I am fairly new myself ..but i also had tongue cancer and I will answer whatever I can and be honest when I cant ..good luck and let us know what you hear !

Shar