Hi x l finished my radiotherapy on 9th July 2024. 30 sessions for squamous cell carcinoma at the base if the tongue. My mouth problems started end of June and gradually got worse. I hoped they would start to improve after end of treatment. However its been 3 months now and they are getting more painful. Raw tongue, new mouth ulcers. I cannot use my mouth at all as the pain is constant and overwhelming. Have you cine across this before?
Hi BFew,
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear of your ongoing issues with raw tongue, mouth ulcers and constant pain following your radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma.
We are unable to diagnose on this platform as we don’t have access to your hospital records or test results. We therefore tend to err on the side of caution.
We normally advise people that if they have a new symptom, a symptom that persists gets worse or, is changing then they must report to their doctor in the first instance, so they can physically assess and best manage from there.
Alternatively, it may be wise to contact your Head & Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to report your symptoms. The quicker you do this the better.
At the very least, we would hope to have your pain better controlled.
Long term and late effects of head and neck cancer treatment is not unusual. We have further information on these late effects which you may find useful going forward.
The Mouth Cancer Foundation, Changing Faces or, Let’s Face It are also good sources of information and support going forward.
If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
David, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/DT/UH
Copy of your original e-mail to Macmillan Cancer Support
Hi x l finished my radiotherapy on 9th July 2024. 30 sessions for squamous cell carcinoma at the base if the tongue. My mouth problems started end of June and gradually got worse. I hoped they would start to improve after end of treatment. However its been 3 months now and they are getting more painful. Raw tongue, new mouth ulcers. I cannot use my mouth at all as the pain is constant and overwhelming. Have you cine across this before?
Hi BFew,
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear of your ongoing issues with raw tongue, mouth ulcers and constant pain following your radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma.
We are unable to diagnose on this platform as we don’t have access to your hospital records or test results. We therefore tend to err on the side of caution.
We normally advise people that if they have a new symptom, a symptom that persists gets worse or, is changing then they must report to their doctor in the first instance, so they can physically assess and best manage from there.
Alternatively, it may be wise to contact your Head & Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to report your symptoms. The quicker you do this the better.
At the very least, we would hope to have your pain better controlled.
Long term and late effects of head and neck cancer treatment is not unusual. We have further information on these late effects which you may find useful going forward.
The Mouth Cancer Foundation, Changing Faces or, Let’s Face It are also good sources of information and support going forward.
If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
David, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/DT/UH
Copy of your original e-mail to Macmillan Cancer Support
Hi x l finished my radiotherapy on 9th July 2024. 30 sessions for squamous cell carcinoma at the base if the tongue. My mouth problems started end of June and gradually got worse. I hoped they would start to improve after end of treatment. However its been 3 months now and they are getting more painful. Raw tongue, new mouth ulcers. I cannot use my mouth at all as the pain is constant and overwhelming. Have you cine across this before?
