Waiting for results

Hi, looking for advice, I was diagnosed with oral cancer in late 2017. It started as a white patch on the side of my tongue. It was all dealt with very quickly and I had an opp to remove it and further biopsys whilst I was under. They then found it in my right cheek. I had another operation in early 2018. They advised it was only very small in both of these instances. I was having monthly check ups and just got to having check ups every 2 months when I noticed a white patch on my left cheek. I again had another biopsy and it confirmed it was the cancer again. I had the opp to remove that in January this year. All was well till last month at my check up yet again I have a white patch at the back of my mouth, another biopsy was taken for which I am waiting the results of. I just can't understand why. Yes I did smoke but not since my first diagnosis. I don't understand why this is still occurring. I haven't had any other treatment and am wondering if I should be. Im finding it really hard waiting for the next results. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. 

  • Hi holly ...

    So sorry your going through this... it's sounds like a nightmare for it keep comming back ..  and every time we wait for tests / results / treatment is always scary ... your not alone, we all know as we've been there ... here's hoping this time you get it sorted for good ...

    But there's lots of us here all trying to kick cancers butt....  so hold on in there ... chrissie x

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry that you've needed repeat removal of patches of oral cancer - I can imagine this is distressing and frustrating, especially while you are waiting for biopsy results.

    Surgery is often the main treatment for a very early stage mouth cancer, but it will depend on size and location as to whether any other treatment may be necessary. Sometimes, radiotherapy can be given after surgery, but because everyone is very different , people will vary with what sort of treatments they may need. Because radiotherapy has side effects, they will always look at the benefit of a treatment against the risk .

    Treatment really is tailor made for each person and each case is usually discussed at a MDT(multidisciplinary meeting) consisting of different health professionals like surgeons,radiotherapists and oncologists.

    I think it's most probably best you discuss any concerns you may have regarding your treatment with your specialist, as he has all your medical details and will be able to explain why at this moment, surgery is the treatment of choice for you.You may want to read more about treatment decisions here https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mouth-cancer/treatment/treatment-decisions  

    Mouth cancers ( like other cancers) can come back in the area of  the original cancer. I can appreciate this is really hard for you, but there isn't anything you can actually do to prevent this from happening.

    If you would like to have a chat about this, please do give us a ring.The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the best

    Wanda