Our oral cancer forum provides a helpful way for cancer patients to connect, share information, and research treatment methods. Explore our online resources today to learn more. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/oral-cancer/1,0,119,25.htm Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ First let me say that I wish everyone who has a reason to come to this board my greatest hope that you will beat this monster.  I do not have any type  of cancer but I have a situation that makes me wonder if it isn't in my future.  I had a botched root canal on a back bottom molar where they squirted the filling material out the bottom tips of the tooth into the nerve canal.  I live with severe nerve damage that manifests itself as numbness and pain in my lip and chin and gums.  It is permanent and is with me 24/7.  Thankfully, medications I take (alot of them) take the edge off of it so I don't want to shoot myself...on most days. It never goes away.  What concerns me is that I found out that the dentist was using a material called Sargenti Paste that contains formaldehyde, lead and mercury.  Its active ingredient is the formaldehyde...which you have to live under a rock not to know that that chemical is very toxic and a carcinogen.  I would like to know if anyone who suffers from oral cancer has had a root canal in the area where the cancer started.  That poison stayed in my jaw for 2.5 months and some of it is still in there...not much but more than I care to see.  I worry that cancer might be in my future because of this.  I started a website about this stuff if you are interested.  It is at www (dot) worserootcanalever (dot) com. Thank you. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41719,0.htm saynono Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT I hope I can get some information from some of you who may have gone through this before. For a few months now I have had what I thought was an ulcer on the side of my tongue ..toward the back. I was also having some tooth sensitivity in the same area...so the ulcer thing kinda got ignored..I usually take good care of my body but I guess I didn't think much of it. Anyway..went to my dentist who had me go to an ENT immediately. The ENT gave me some paste stuff to see if it was a case of "tongue trama"..he wanted to check this sense I don't fall into the typical demographics for tongue cancer..I am 39 year old female who doesn't smoke and am a social drinker ....went back after 2 weeks and it hasn't improved any. I desribe it as a hole in my tongue. He is going to eo an excisional biopsy. The only thing is I am ready to do this NOW and I got a sheet telling me aspirin products not to take 14 days prior to surgery! They will call me to schedule it tomorrow or the next day but I don't have much patience right now! Anyway..what I actually want to know is if any of you can tell me what to expect from my biopsy. Days of recovery, pain,etc. And please don't sugar coat it..I need to know what to expect. Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,41084,0.htm seejennrun Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT hello!!!! plz somebody answer this question, over the last 3 days, i have had this red sore under my tongue and it's a bit white to, and it really hurts espiccally when i chew up food, and it looks like there is more forming like 4-5 more \, should i be worried bout this http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40878,0.htm gregsmith5680 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT i have had tongue cancer twice in the past 18 years and now have leukoplakia (pre-cancer) on my gum and tongue for the past 5 years.  My doctor wants me to go into a (EPOC) study trial taking the drug Tarceva (or sugar pill) which they are testing to see if it can make the cells in my mouth normal and be stabilized.  I recently had a genetic marker study and was told I have a 50 - 70% change of getting oral cancer again within the next three years (from the numbers). I have DNA damage.  My doctor feels this study is the "cutting Edge" and I will be monitored very closely for the next year while I'm taking "tarceva". (or sugar pill).  I am worried about taking tarceva since I do not have cancer now and feel the side effects can be bad.  But if I don't do the study what are my options? Does anyone have any advise out there for me.  I'm going crazy trying to make a desision.Rosemary http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,40546,0.htm Rosemaryann Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT h aving pain on right side of tongue..felt like ..I had bitten my tongue..but when I looked ..pulled my tongue to the side and saw a round white patch..about the size of a small pencil eraser...right or wrong I put hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip and tried to see what would happen...nothing did....I will call a dentist tomorrow and try to get in to see one....I do have an appt. next week but this has me going nuts....What are the odds of getting in to see a dentist tomorrow when I call?What should I expect...and should I insist on the "brush test" that I read about? Wish me luck and I will be back here when I find out what it is.... http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39542,0.htm savannahtx Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT The report has been seen by a qualified Radilogist.PETscan is for whole body . The case history  is of almost 2 yrs.  PET scan has been seen by a Neuro Surgeon also. My question is that if Is there any chance or are there any type of cancers which go undected in PET scan ? is thee any oncologist on this page who can give his comments . Or All of us are novices here. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39416,0.htm hapsood Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT Dear Everybody,I got my PET scan for whole body done on 18.08.2009. It says no malignancy seen. The report is negative for cancer. I went for PET scan on my own without consulting any Doctor. My doubt is whether are there any type of cancer cells which can go undecteced in PET scan. 2. If I am negative for cancer then how come the syptoms are there for IVth stage oral cancer.3. Can that PET machine malfunction ?Please advise I am worrried http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39321,0.htm hapsood Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT Basically my mother had an ulcer or lesion on her tongue, the pre op and post op biopsies have said conflicting things. The Pro op biopsy suggested invasive carcinoma, whilst the post op biopsy said no tumour found, and diagnosed the ulcer as sever dysplasia. Which are two different, things, with different implications. The oncologist said it is not possible to say which is most relevant. That the pre op biopsy may have gotten lucky and found cells which had begun to invade on the cells it tested from the ulcer, which was not found later, when the latter test was done. The ulcer was small about 1.5cm by 2cm, and was taken in totality, but the surgical oncologist has said we should see a radio oncologist just to be sure, though reassuring us, no further treatment will be necessary. He said seeing a radio oncologist is procedural. Without wanting to doubt what my doctor has to say, hence the failure to ask him, why would is it advisable to see a radio oncologist after a surgery that has taken everything? There is a latent fear that radio therapy might be needed just by nature of the type of doctor we have been recommended to see. Is the reason he suggests it because some cells could remain and a radio oncologist needs to give it the all clear and should I trust, that no further treatment will be required. The only thing my oncologist has said, is that if it is cancer, which he cannot be sure it is, it is very early stage or stage one. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,39141,0.htm Sharat Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed with tongue cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes in September 2004. I had surgery where they removed 1/3 of my tongue and lymph nodes in my neck. After surgery I had 11 teeth pulled in prep for radiation and a port and peg tube installed. I had chemo and radiation in November and December of 2004. I am doing well except for the reoccurence of candida in the mouth. Of course I have a dry mouth which is pretty typical of radiation to the mouth. I had candida for six months straight last year from February until August and last week when I went to the dentist she called in a pathoglist to look at the roof of my mouth. A culture was taken and it came back positive. Last year I was put on several different types of medicines for it but nothing would clear it. I saw an infectious disease doctor also and no help. Does anyone have any suggestions on something that I can do to prevent this reoccurence all the time. I have partials and I feel that maybe my partials are harboring the infection. I clean my partials every day in polident or efferdent and have started cleaning them with dawn liquid soap every night and solution of bleach and water once a month. Any suggestions would be helpful. I was told on Friday that the candida can lead into other problems and of course I don't want problems. Thanks for your support and help. Sue http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,38568,0.htm Sue63 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hi, This might be a silly question, but does anyone know what is okay to eat the day before a PET scan?   I am having one done Friday and I am not sure what I can eat.  I know eggs and cheese, that is the only thing I remember, can anyone help me on this?Thanks,Kim http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,37208,0.htm kimfromflorida Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed the first of the year with cancer on the left side of my tongue. I had surgery to remove a T1 tumor in January and had a PET scan and CT with contrast which showed no signs of "hot" spots. A Radiation oncologist assured me that it looked like it was all clean and yet the tumor board recommended radiation. I elected to have more surgery in February and the path report indicated that the margins were clear. I was doing okay until about a month ago when the pain in that area steadily increased to the level of about the day following the second surgery. I get most of the pain into my left ear and my jaw. Sometimes it is a stabbing and searing pain. I returned to the oral surgeon and his recommendation was radiation therapy and another PET scan. I am wondering if anyone has experienced the same type of occurance and has any input. I am not looking forward to radiation. I work in the field and I know of it's side effects. It feels more like an infection, but the ENT doctor I see said no. He indicates that the area around the surgery site (which is a hole about the size of a pea) is getting hard and may be growing another tumor. I have talked to a number of people that know of successfull removal of tongue tumors with no re-occurances. I was hoping for the same, as I assume we all do. Thanks for the help. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36890,0.htm Steve_in_Tacoma Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT On April 23,2009 I was diagnosed with Oral Cancer. It was very frightening. After all the scheduling and consultations it was decided that I  would have both Chemothrapy and Radiation treatments. Since that time I have had 4 radiation treatments and 1 chemotherapy treatment. The radiation treatments are not too difficult to manage but the 1 chemo treatment did not go so well. I wound up spending 2 days in the hospital.My mouth is very sore and it is difficult to eat solid food. Can anyone offer some advice on how to cope with the suffering? I really would appreciate it.I live alone so it is quite a challenge for me at times to go to my appointments and still continue to work full time. Any words of encouragement would be wonderful. Thank you for taking time to read this. Hope to hear from someone soon                         GUINEA PIG LOVER http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36777,0.htm GUINEA_PIG_LOVER Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT I have a lump under the right side of my tongue and a sore throat and a pretty bad ear infection.  Whats worrys me is that the pain is only on my right side,  It is also really hard to swallow only on my right side- any suggestions that good help me? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36662,0.htm lola10 Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT A old man having history of tobacco chewing since 15 years complains pain and difficulty in sollowing.O/E no change in oral mucosa but there is a hard calcified structure present in floor of mouth below the myleohyoid area.no mucosal covering over it.what can be a provisional diagnosis for it ? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,36081,0.htm vandana Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT My 53 yr old brother was recently diagnosed with base of tongue cancer.  He has a St Jude mechanical valve and takes coumadin.  I am worried about the effects of chemo and radiation on the heart and blood.  I can't seem to find any info on this.  The ENT has stressed the dangers of the biopsy.  He is going for the PET, MRI/CT tomorrow so we don't know how far advanced anything is yet.  I would appreciate any word from anyone that has a mechanical valve and has had cancer treatment.  Thanks, worried sis! http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35668,0.htm littlepiglet Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Well for the past week i have noticed red patches in the back of my throat. the patches arn't connected and there flat and about the size of a dime and i was wondering if throat irritation or sinus infection could cause something like this. i was holding off on going to the doctor but if it doesn't clear i have to go. I am 24 yr old female and don't smoke and rarely drink would it be possible for me to have oral cancer at such a young age? http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35570,0.htm ashwee476 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Im new to this site, and was just wondering if anyone could help me figure out what I am experiencing. About 1 month ago I noticed the side of my tongue and under the gum line was hurting. I took a look and noticed red patches on my tongue, looked like lesions with pin holes in them. I went to the dentist last week and he said I should have a biopsy done and has referred me to an oral surgeon who I see April 30th.Thing is, it doesnt hurt now but the lesions are STILL there. They're small and shiny, bright red. I looked at all the pictures of tongue cancer and they dont look anything like what this is. Then I read an article and it says tongue cancer can start by tiny red lesions on the side of the tongue. I was just wondering if anyone who has been diagnosed with tongue cancer had similar symptoms when their cancer was first noticed. Thank you so much. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35060,0.htm Tigershell Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT I have always had this lump, well I thought it was a lump, under my tongue to the right. Recently it has just started hurting and by recently I mean this day. I decided to inspect it and it turned out to be a flap type lump; I could lift it up. It is about 4 mm wide (where it is attached)  and 3mm long. It is mostly red but has a small white oval bit on it. I'm worried about this please reply.Callum http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,35043,0.htm clickyclick Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT I was diagnosed with a microscopic tumor on the base of the tongue in July 2003. I elected to have very limited surgery plus Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).  All scans have been negative since treatment.  I have no disability other than about 20-30% decreased salivation. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34914,0.htm Tsquared Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT I've had something arise that I want to know if "my family" here has ever experienced.  I completed radiation and chemo for oralpharyngeal cancer the end of Oct 07.  Two or three months ago I started having a feathery sensation along the left side of my face and partly down the neck.  I had cancer in the left tonsil and wonder if there is a connection between the radiation and the feathery sensation.  I have a new primary care doctor and they have ordered an MRI - I wonder if it is necessary or if this is to be expected. a result of radiation - possible nerve damage.Also, they did a blood workup yesterday and called today to tell me my white blood count is low.  Any ideas why - again, is this common after chemo and radiation?   Thanks all.  Diana http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34611,0.htm Dlynn1210 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT I have had a sore tongue for over a month now. It's right in the middle of it. It feels like carpet burn or something. has anyone had these feeling? I keep looking things up on the computer, but all it is doing is scaring me. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34489,0.htm babyjenn1227 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT My husband was diagnosed in August with Oral Cancer, had surg and modified neck disection in September. Both the surgeon and oncologist stated that margens and nodes were clear and he didnt need any follow up radiation or chemo.(we have always wondered if they were wrong, him being young and healthy otherwise) He has had some unexplained ailments of late. Bone pain in hip, other sores in mouth that took months to heal. Pain in calves, urinary incont. and so on. He had a Follow up PET scan done last week and it was inconclusive. And recomended further follow upThere were are coulpe of areas that lite up one in the tonsiler area that showed SUV8. and some other in the mid pharanyx and hypopharnyx. My husband and been convience for several months that the cancer is back and he is going to die this year. I dont know what else to say to him or do for him. Can someone explain to me what the Pet scan is saying. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,34226,0.htm kimbo1 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT My sister who is 46 years old was diagnosed with throat cancer a week ago today.  We do know that it has spread to her sinus cavity, from one ear in to the other ear inside her head, it is from one side of her neck to the other and barely misses her voice box, and is in her face (all this is internal).  It is Carcinoma and is in stage 4.  I have heard this is the final stage.  I have also heard that there is 5 stages.  The doctor cut as much as he could out while doing the biopsy.  He said he can't cut anymore.  He wanted her to start chemo upon leaving the hospital using three large doses in a week then start radiation for five times a week for three months.  My concern is that it has been a week now since she was diagnosed and no treatment has been started.  He cut some of the tumor out so she could eat, breath, and talk a little better.  She was laid off at the end of last year so she has no medical insurance.  The chemo clinic will not start treatment until she has insurance.  She has been turned down by Tenncare.  At this point you know about as much as we know.  Her doctor (ENT) has said he will treat her for life with or without insurance.  He is a very kind man.  If anyone has advice or help for me at all I would really appreciate it.  Oh and the doctor said that this cancer responds well to treatment.  But we don't know if it is curable.  What her chances are or anything.  I am not giving up on hope and prayers but I would very much like to know what we are dealing with realistically.  My sister a week ago when in the hospital weighed 84 pounds.  She is 4'11" tall.  Please help me any way you can. Thank you so very very much. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,33888,0.htm melissa5597 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hello,On Friday, I had the oral surgeon remove a canker sore from the inside of my right cheek for biopsy.  It may be nothing, but something tells me its not.  You know the thought of losing my hair, of vomiting, losing weight, etc.  Means nothing to me, but the thought of being deformed from this cancer scares me enough to let it take me.  My job which I love has me meeting the public on a daily basis.  Does a diagnosis with this cancer mean I will be one of those people who are stared at?   I know this sounds very vain, and it is, but I don’t want to be considered a freak or have people look at me with pity.  I much rather die.  Really, I’m not kidding.  I am that vain.  I read some of the postings and noted that some people actually have reconstructive surgery immediately after removal of the cancer.  Does this surgery make you look normal to the average person on the street or just good enough to get by?  I am telling you….this part is totally freaking me out, more than the cancer itself.  Help…give me good news.  Tell me this is not the death sentence I believe it to be.     http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,33720,0.htm synlgar Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT I had cancer in my tonsil (Squamos cell), I had the tumor and 1 lymph node removed. I subsequently had 30 radiation treatments and 3 rounds of chemo. The doctors told me most of the pain would be gone between 4 to 6 weeks after the final treatment. Im currently on week 8 after my final treatment and still experiencing pretty severe pain in my throat. Has anyone been through this treatment and have any experience on what to expect? i expected to be eating regular foods by now but im still on soft foods only due to the pain. Thanks in advance. http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,33659,0.htm MrClean Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT