Benign But Bothersome

The tongue biopsy results I wrote about, in my Tongue Testing Tale blog post, are in.

Mixed results. It’s not cancer which is the good news but it’s not going away anytime soon either. It’s another one of those things with no treatment and no idea of when it will resolve.

My body seems to love presenting me with these scenarios.

The biopsy results have shown severe infiltrative inflammation and ulceration. It mimics squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue which explains why my Drs have been so concerned.

The biopsy results are not all available yet. It is also being tested for a fungal component so more answers may be forthcoming.

I also have a slight cloud hanging over my head as if it’s not resolved in another 6 to 8 weeks, I need to return to my ENT for further consultation. It may yet need to be removed.

So What Exactly Is This Thing?

In essence it presents like a tumour rather than an ulcer.

It’s called a Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa (also known as traumatic eosinophilic granuloma)

Generally occurs in your 50s so I tick that box.

It exhibits deep inflammation (as my test results show) and this is what causes the horrific pain. It resolves slowly and requires biopsy to investigate a differential diagnosis. An apparent, unusual occurrence, is having the incisional biopsy often initiates healing. I’m so hoping this happens in my case.

The thought of another 6 to 7 weeks with this beast is not a great one.

Next Steps

There really is nothing I can do to speed up the healing process. They say time is a healer for so many things and it seems time is going to have to be my friend and healer too.

I will return to my ENT in 7 weeks if it hasn’t healed though. Ulcers of the tongue that refuse to heal can become cancerous or pre cancerous. Plus even if it stays benign, if it refuses to heal it may need to be removed.

In The Meantime

I don’t intend to let this tongue issue further disable me, no matter how hard it is to ignore.

I need to fill my days with far more pleasant things and I intend to do just that.

We have been in our new home for 5 weeks now and are still loving it.  You may remember my Very Own Escape To The Country post.

My husband and I have a few beautiful road trips planned to further explore our country wonderland. The good news is each destination is less than a 30 min drive. Thankfully a car trip distance I can cope with if I plan it right.

The areas are mountainous with rolling green farmland, creeks, rivers,  wineries,  cafes and little shops you just have to browse in.

Nothing like distraction therapy I always think. It may have consequences after the event, but it allows me to smile through the pain of recovery as I relive memories of special moments.

Take care

Sam xx

Psalm 98 v 8

Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy