I had surgery for ACC of the left submandibular gland in July 2021. The post-surgery histology report showed substantial perineural invasion. The surgery was followed by 33 sessions of radiotherapy. In December 2022 I had a PET ST scan followed by a head and Neck MRI. The PET scan showed 3 areas of concern. Prostate, Colon and original surgery site. Further investigation has ruled out any issues with the Colon and Prostate (phew!), however two tissue samples were taken from the jaw area. Once of the samples contained ACC. So, local recurrence.
My surgeon had advised surgery to remove the left jaw (or part of) and I have just had more MRI and CT scans to re-assess pre surgery.
However, I have always had some abnormal issues with the left side of my face. Numbness/sharp nerve pain/aching pain. This has worsened of late and now affects my ear, neck, eye and the rest of the left side of my face.
I assume that this could be for one of 3 reasons:
My main concern is whether the surgery is worthwhile if the cancer has already spread to other parts of my head and neck (or further). I have obviously informed the surgeon of my concern and he replied that the scans would clarify the options.
Has anyone experienced a similar situation?
Brian
Sorry I can’t help with anything first hand. We are all different anyway. If it was me I’d be insisting on sitting down with the surgeon and oncologist and having a mini MDT with them both. My decision would have to be a properly informed one and not rely on generalisations and somebody else’s experience.
I hope you get some answers quickly.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
I wrote a blog about my cancer. just click on the link below
https://todaymycoffeetasteslikechristmasincostarica.com
