BROTHER IS NOW N.E.D. - No Evidence of Disease

Transported my brother to the ENT doctor today to discuss the results of his Fine Needle and Core Needle Biopsy of the new lump on his neck.  Results show no cancer.  It is a Warthin Tumor not a lymph node.  

Treatment of Warthin tumor generally includes surgery to remove the tumor or careful observation to watch for changes in the tumor over time. Because Warthin tumor is almost always benign, additional treatment (i.e. radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy ) is rarely needed.

I asked the ENT doctor to look at the inside of his cheek as there is a white patch I am concerned about.  We don't know how long it has been there but was noticed a couple of months ago by the Nurse Practitioner.  Nothing was said about it at that time.

ENT looked at it and didn't say what it was.

We then had an appointment with the Medical Oncologist.  He informed us that there is no cancer in his neck.  I then asked him to look at the white spot on the inside of his cheek which is the size of a pencil eraser.  He looked and said it was Leukoplakia which could be precancerous.  It should be monitored and possibly have a biopsy taken.

I came home and did some research.

Treatment of Leukoplakia

Most patches improve on their own and don't require any treatment. 

If a biopsy comes back positive for oral cancer, the patch must be removed immediately. This can help prevent cancer cells from spreading.

Patches can be removed by using laser therapy, a scalpel, or a freezing procedure.

Removal of leukoplakia patches. Patches may be removed using a scalpel, a laser or an extremely cold probe that freezes and destroys cancer cells (cryoprobe).  Follow-up visits to check the area. Once you've had leukoplakia, recurrences are common.

These white or red patches might be harmless. But they can also be precancerous and contain abnormal cells.  Only about 5 out of every 100 people (5%) diagnosed with leukoplakia have cancerous or precancerous changes.

Within 15 years, about 3% to 17.5% of people with leukoplakia will develop squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer. The likelihood of developing cancer from leukoplakia depends on the size, shape, and appearance of abnormal cells.

Leukoplakia usually doesn't cause permanent damage to tissues in your mouth. However, leukoplakia increases your risk of oral cancer. Oral cancers often form near leukoplakia patches, and the patches themselves may show cancerous changes.

Mild leukoplakia is usually harmless and often goes away on its own. More serious cases may be linked to oral cancer and must be treated promptly.

A biopsy will likely be taken to rule out other causes, such as oral cancer. During the biopsy, a small piece of tissue from the lesion will be removed to be examined in a lab. A numbing agent will be used so that you will not feel any pain.

Leukoplakia is usually harmless, and lesions usually clear in a few weeks or months after the source of irritation is removed. If eliminating the source of irritation is ineffective in reducing leukoplakia, the lesion may need to be surgically removed. The lesion can be removed either by your general dentist or by an oral surgeon.

So we got some good news and some not so good news.  I did not feel relieved after these two visits.  I was so hoping that we would all feel extremely happy but we don't.

My brother will be going to get his dental impressions soon and if he goes to his Oral Surgeon - he will be able to assess the white patch and do a biopsy if needed.