Biopsy Aftercare

I had tongue exicsion biopsy 2 days ago under local anaesthetic, 5 stitches.  The cut is on the top of my tongue just off the midline.  I wasn't really told much in the way of aftercare.  I have dissolvable stitches.

The pain is really bad, swelling, difficult to swallow, can't eat, difficult to talk.

I am holding iced water in my mouth which is helping with the swelling.  I am using dissolvable paracetamol and childrens ibuprofen [doubling the dose] as I cannot swallow tablets.  Painkillers not really taking pain away.

I have seen people talk of mouth wash and salt rinses.  Is this what has been advised.  I wasn't told to do this but it makes sense to avoid infection.  What does everyone recommend?

I am so hungry, any tips on what to eat?  I have just tried to eat mash potatoe with some mashed mince but caught my stitches in my teeth, worried I am going to cause damage.

How long did it take for stitches to dissolve.  I don't have a follow up appointment for another 3 weeks.  Any advice greatly apreciated.

thank you

  • Hi Nikita

    Sorry to read what your going through.

    Could you try meal replacement shakes, flavoured milk, soups, custards, semolina, ready brek things that are higher fat content. I'm on chemo and the first drug I had eating was really hard so I stuck with those things.

    I was given a mouth wash that is recommended by oncology so you could ask a pharmacist or your gp if it's ok for you called Difflam. 

    Stitches usually go by 2 weeks I had them in my breast and underarm and they had gone by time I saw consultant at 3 weeks.

    Louise xx

  • Thank you Louise

    I have got some Difflam from the pharmacy and also Neurofen Melts which dissolve on the tongue.  These have helped with some disperable paracetomol. I did feel a little better today and made some homemade chicken broth with some chicken thighs so plenty of fat content.  I managed a bowel of it luke warm.  I have some left for tomorrow.  

    I think once the stitches start to break down it will be better as the pain stems from the stitches digging in when my tongue swells.

    Have you had issues with mouth as well as breast? xx

  • Hi Nikita

    Glad you've managed to eat something.

    My mouth problems stem from my chemotherapy treatment. I've had oral thrush 3 times which is really unpleasant. Plus  leaves an awful metal taste and trying to find foods that taste of something has been trial and error. 

    Xxx

  • Thank you for your help.  I wish you a speedy recovery x x

  • Your stitches will start to dissolve quiet quickly about 7 days being in the mouth and wet helps to dissolve them. Your could try milk shakes with extra ice cream to make them creamy. Warm soup and as you heal things like soft bread and mashed potatoes and vegetables. Fish and Mince should be fine when the stitches dissolve, youghurt,and desserts would give you some extra calories for now, rice pudding and cream all taste ok cool. I would stick to soft diet until your comfortable and pain free. Salt water mouth washes can be used or corsadyl mouthwash  also Gengigel is a treatment for sore mouths that you might like to try available from the chemist. Hope your better soon