Early detection of oral cancer can be life-saving and significantly improve treatment outcomes. The following real-life stories illustrate the crucial role of routine dental visits in catching oral cancer early, when it is most treatable. Regular check-ups and vigilance about oral health are vital in identifying cancer at its earliest stages, thereby increasing survival rates and reducing the need for invasive treatments. These personal accounts underscore the importance of proactive dental care and its profound impact on patients' lives.
Barbara Boland, a dental hygienist and practice-management consultant, discovered she had oral cancer at the age of 41. In December 2002, she noticed a white spot on her tongue. Despite a head and neck surgeon initially dismissing it as cancer due to her lack of risk factors, the spots continued to grow.
A client informed her about a new brush biopsy procedure, which she underwent in early 2003. The initial results were atypical, leading to a scalpel biopsy that confirmed oral cancer on May 16, 2003. Boland had surgery on July 1, 2003, removing 25% of her tongue and lymph nodes, which fortunately were cancer-free, sparing her from further treatment.
Today, Barbara is cancer-free and advocates for regular dental check-ups, crediting early detection for saving her life.
In spring of 2014, Brooke noticed white spots under her tongue while brushing her teeth. Though not painful and healthy overall, she decided to wait until her routine dentist appointment in May. The dentist, concerned, recommended a biopsy.
Two weeks later, the pathology report revealed pre-cancerous cells. Surgery followed to remove part of her tongue, and post-surgery, a tumor was discovered, confirming stage one squamous cell carcinoma. Despite never smoking or using tobacco, early detection spared Brooke from needing chemotherapy or radiation, highlighting the critical role of timely diagnosis in effective treatment.
Source: https://www.deardoctor.com/articles/how-a-routine-dental-visit-saved-my-life/
Kelly, at 23 and pregnant, initially dismissed discomfort in her mouth, attributing it to pregnancy changes. By her seventh month, a lump on her tongue drew more attention, though she hoped it would resolve on its own.
On her due date, August 11th, she mentioned the pain to her doctor, who promptly arranged a hospital visit despite the pending birth. The lump grew more painful as she awaited delivery, casting a shadow over her joy.
Days after giving birth to a healthy baby girl, Kelly underwent a 4 ½-hour operation to biopsy and remove the lump, which had grown to the size of a 20 pence piece. The surgery included a partial tongue removal and neck dissection due to swollen lymph nodes, leaving scars around her neck and chin. Thankfully, the cancer was confined to her tongue, since it was caught early. Kelly is now cancer-free, grateful for her medical team's care and her family's support.
Source: https://www.spadental.co.uk/blog/2023/11/mouth-cancer-surivor-kelly-a-true-story/
