Hi Sprayview1

I would say wait to hear what the out come of your tests are first of all. You may be giving yourself a lot of worry and stress otherwise.

Your MRI results are very promising too.

I believe a biopsy at base of tongue is done under anaesthetic. Then next step there is normally a couple of weeks wait for results. This is the time that everyone finds testing their nerves, it all seems to take forever.

Everyone is different in what treatment they have,theres not a one for all treatment.One thing, stay off Google as its a very negative place for anyone to read,stick to cruk or MacMillan for any info. Plus there are many kind helpful folks on here to welcome you anytime.

Take care and best wishes. xx

Thanks it’s just so overwhelming I did use google and totally understand now why people tell you not to !!!! It’s the waiting and the fear of the dreaded C word  being the outcome I am a very positive person in general and will continue to think positive but it’s so hard and my whole family are in turmoil have you any idea how long my tongue will take to heal after the biopsy ?  

Hi Sprayview1

The base of tongue isnt as rich in nerve supply as the oral/front 2/3rds of tongue,so probably wont be as sensitive. The biopsy is a tiny amount of tissue and does heal pretty quickly. Avoid anything irritating/spicy/sharp foods for a time. Ice cream, soft jelly, bland soup, milky drinks,soft scrambled eggs are the kind of diet you will manage fine.

Areas that cant be stitched are sealed off with electro cautery. You will possibly feel like you have something stuck to your tongue,that will go when the localised swelling goes down (if any).

Try to stay positive for both yourself and your family,I know the C word is one no family wants to hear,we have a saying" its Not cancer till they say its cancer". Hang onto that!

Of course having tests to rule in or out cancer,that in itself rings warning bells in our brains. But the fact that you have had a good MRI is a very good reason to be optomistic as oropharangeal cancers tend to be silent with no symptoms and can have spread to lymph nodes and other areas of throat before being found. So your MRI is def a big sigh of relief for you.

Reminder! Stay away from Google :-)

Take care & kind regards x

Biopsy day tomorrow don’t think I’ll get much sleep tonight or the next few weeks I’m trying so hard to think positive but at times the dreaded fear comes over me in waves  

I was diagosed with tongue cancer last July. I had a squamous cell carcinoma on left side of tongue . The biopsy was the worse part . I had my operation two weeks after the biopsy where my surgeon used a laser to remove the carcinoma. I was home the same day  and although eating was difficult it only went on for about 10 days. I ate yogurt, creamed rice, macaroni cheese, cottage pie and smooth soups.

Two days after the op I had a yellow slough form over the wound which is a good sign.

This was about 10th August, by 30th I was eating normally. My tongue is a bit crooked and lumpy and I have to see my surgeon every 2 months for 2 years but I am fine now.  

Elen.