Hi My 12 yr old son has just had a biopsy for a tumour which is growing on his right mandible. i really need some support and advice as feel like docs know its cancer but are not telling us. i have asked and they say they suspect it is. does anyone think it could be and has anyone had this type of cancer and if so what symptons/treatment and long term prognosis should we expect. i know i probably am asking too much but we are desperate for answers, hes only a child and doesnt deserve all this. i also lost my dad to cancer 2 years ago so am devastated by all this. thanks to whoever reads this and i wish you all well.

Hi Nicki
It's just me again. I didn't notice this post before I saw yours under the other topic. You will be getting plenty of support and advice soon but no-one will be able to give you a diagnosis.
Try to stay strong. You have had a rough time already.
Love
Deborah

Hi Nicki, Deborah is right it is too soon for a diagnosis. As another poster on this board said to me its OK to feel scared and frightened, weve all gone through this. Another emotion we feel with our children is unconditional love and the feeling why my child? Why couldnt it be me instead? To reassure you my 30 year old daughter was diagnosed with tongue cancer on 14th May. After two surgeries to remove over 1/3 of her tongue and a neck dissection on the left side to remove 28 lymph node.She has just(yesterday) received the good news that they got it early, cut it out and is now cancer free. Dont despair, keep strong and remember there is every chance you son will get over this. Keep in touch. I,ve found the people on this board amazing Love, David.

Moved Reply:

Hi
i read your sad story and was hoping you could help me, my son whos only 12 developed a swelling on his right side mandible, after numerous antibiotics he was then referred for scans which showed a aggressive lesion on the mandible. he has just been into hospital for a biopsy and we wont get the results till next week (24th),as you can imagine we are petrified of the results but i think i already know. i have asked the doctors and all they will say is they are suspicious of bone cancer but wont say more than that.. i just want someones honest opinion on this as i want to be prepared. i would really appreciate if you would tell me truthfully if you think this is cancer and also what symptons you had when you was diagnosed. i really hope you are on the mend now and if i was you i would try to eat protein shakes and soft bland food like potatoes.

Moved Reply:

Hello Nicki
Welcome to the MCF.
I'm so sorry to hear of your worry about your son and really hope that all is going to be OK.
Honestly, it's this period of wondering before you get the news ~ one way or the other, that is so dreadful. Your mind is all over the place thinking of the worst possible scenarios when it may turn out to be something harmless. I really hope this is the case for you.
Unfortunately, no-one can tell you until there are biopsy results. It sounds as though the doctors are being quite frank with you by telling you they are suspicious, however that doesn't mean they KNOW.
Nothing anyone can say will stop you fretting over your boy and this next week will be the longest of your life so far. Try to keep busy, be sure to keep a list of any questions you want to have answered when you see the dr because you will be too het up to be thinking clearly when you go for your appt.
In the meantime, I hope Krishan or Dr Joshi will be able to move your post to a different part of the board because you aren't in the right spot.
All the very best, Nicki. I'll be thinking of you and your family as you have to deal with this dreadful worry. Keep us posted.
Cheers from Down Under
Deborah

Moved Reply:

Hi
Don't panic - even if it is bone cancer they should be able to sort it out quickly. It may mean an operation to remove the tumour which will mean a stay in hospital and a fairly big operation - I had one as I has a tumour on my jawbone. They may have a different treatment like radiotherapy - or they may combine the two. The point is don;t panic and listent carefully to the options they present you with. There are lots and lots of experienced people on this ite who will help guide you through any treatment. It may be a benign growth if he has not experiences any pain - which may alter the treartment options again. Mine was not benign and was very painful indeded. The hospital know hwat they are doing and are experts treatment so listent to them and follow their advice.
In the meantime keep positive and keep your son positive - even if he has to have treatment it is only an adventure to loved through and learned from. Good luck and keep us informed as we will all offer advie and support!
Tony

Hello Nicki

It is very rare for a child to have a mouth cancer.

from UK cancer incidence statistics by age

quote:

Less than 1% of all cases occur in children (0-14 years). Around 1,400 cases of cancer were diagnosed in children in 2006, with a slightly higher incidence in boys than girls.

The risk of an individual child in Britain being diagnosed with cancer before the age of 15 is about 1 in 500. The solid tumours of the breast, lung, bowel and prostate, which are so common in older people, are rare in children. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, responsible for around a third of all cases. Brain and spinal tumours together account for more than a fifth (see childhood cancer section).

1,875 UK teenagers and young adults (15-24 years) were diagnosed with cancer in 2006. The most common cancers diagnosed at these ages include Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, malignant melanoma, leukaemia, bone and connective tissue tumours and brain and other central nervous system tumours.

Let's hope it is something that can be treated successfully. It may help you to know that Georgia who was treated for a mouth cancer is leading a normal life and doing well. So try and stay positive whatever the diagnosis.

Best wishes

Vinod

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

HI, well we had the first biopsy results and dr was not happy so they have done another biopsy yesterday this time taking three samples and swabs, he said that ct scan looks "grim" compared to first biopsy results so wants to be sure. do you think we should still be concerned as i think he feels this is something more serious. can biopsy results be wrong? ie can one bit of tissue tell different story to another? we just want to be prepared. any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Nicki,
I hope your sons' diagnosis will be good news for you, but if it isn't, try not to panic. I had major surgery last year for cancer in my upper palate, by lower gum and jaw bone and the lymph nodes in my neck. This was followed by a course of radio therapy and chemo therapy. 11 months on, I am living a near normal life and although it was a gruelling time, I'm just happy to still be here. Staying positive is the most important thing. Good luck x

hi dian,thanks for your advice ,i just hope when we get results it will be good news. we feel thats its not cancer as he has no other symptons such as loss of appetite or weight loss but the way the way hes been rushed through with ct scans and biopsies and also the fact the oncologist suggested sarcoma at consultation we do feel they really think it is something serious. i am so glad you have battled through your terrible ordeal and hope you live a long and healthy life in the future, its strange as we live in essex too. small world!!

Hi Nicki,
I know it's easy for us to say try not to worry, but we all know that is impossible. We worry more when it's our children that if it were ourselves. As I said though, if the news isn't good, just be reassured by the wonderful things they can do now. Although 'cancer' is still a frightening word, it is most definitely not a death sentence, as it was a few years ago. It is a small world isn't it. I met a man when I was having my radio/chemo therapy at Colchester hospital and got friendly with him and his wife. When they came to our house for dinner a couple of months back, it turned out that their daughter was a nanny to my brothers children 20 years ago! What hospital is your son attending Nicki?

Hi Dian, my son was referred by southend hosp to University college hosp in euston, london where he's being seen now. hes under one of the uk top oncologists so i know hes getting best treatment but all my family think because first biopsy was quite clear that i shouldnt think it is cancer but i think they already know

I would guess if he is seeing an oncologist then all is not well.In this country referral to an oncologist usually follows a confirmed diagnosis.Tumours have margins which mark the end of bad cells and the beginning of healthy nornal tissue so that may be why they have done more than one biopsy nicki.Perhaps they weren't sure they had targeted the supicious area precisely.If you think they know,and i must say that sounds possible,then get your angry head on and demand a full explanation.Some doctors treat parents in a very condescending manner when up front and truthful is often the best.

i hope and pray we are both wrong and you get good news.

Keep us all posted Nicki. We're all thinking of you and hoping and praying all will be well for your son. Loads of love xx

HI Niki
thinking about your son and hoping things will be ok to hard to think of children going through this, hard enough as an adult.
Hope and pray you have good news.
Noreen