Neck dissection shows mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells - had tumor removed 20 years ago

Options
3mpire
3mpire Member Posts: 10
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hello.

20 years ago I had low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, I had maxillectomy and no radio or chemo and have been disease free since then.

I had an elective surgery recently to reconstruct the maxillectomy since I was disease free for over 20 years. As part of this elective surgery, the doctor had to do a bit of dissection (level 2 and 3) on my Neck to make some space for the reconstruction, as per their practice they sent it to pathology and I was told that they found low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells. I have an MRI next month to see what is going on. The doctors were shocked at the discovery and I am at a complete loss, I though this was in the past and I do no know what to think of it.

What freaks me out is that if these cells were there from 20 years ago, by opening up my neck and doing a partial dissection, have I awoken the beast and made it spread, what is even more scary is that it may be from another tumor!


Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #2
    Options
    good you found it?

    3empire,

    Or you may have stumbled across it early and all will be well.  It was classified as low grade, so let’s hope that plays in your favor.

    Good luck.

    Matt

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 727 Member
    #3
    Options
    Do Not Worry

    Being low grade it shouldn't be hard to treat.  My guess is they'll suggest low grade radiation treatments to get rid of the cells. That should make you MEC free for another 20+ years, IMO.

     

  • 3mpire
    3mpire Member Posts: 10
    #4
    Options
    Thanks for the replies, I did

    Thanks for the replies, I did not clearify, they removed some lymph nodes to make some space, that is where the cells were found!

  • ValeIT
    ValeIT Member Posts: 23
    #5
    Options
    Ciao

    Hello, I sent you a private message.

    You have news?

    You'll see that everything will be fine ...

    I am free from the disease for about 5 years.

    Happy Easter!

  • 3mpire
    3mpire Member Posts: 10
    #6
    Options
    Hello,

    Hello,

    So I just came back from the hospital, MRI is clean I am told, no sign of primary. They will do another MRI in 6 months.

    Is it possible for cancer cells to be sitting there for 23 years.

  • 3mpire
    3mpire Member Posts: 10
    #7
    Options
    ValeIT said:

    Ciao

    Hello, I sent you a private message.

    You have news?

    You'll see that everything will be fine ...

    I am free from the disease for about 5 years.

    Happy Easter!

    Thank you :)

    Thank you :)

  • sherylcv13
    sherylcv13 Member Posts: 23
    #8
    Options
    Glad things look goodon the

    Glad things look good on the MRI.  Our new mantra is 'so far, so good'. 

  • Engelsa
    Engelsa Member Posts: 50
    #9
    Options
    Lymph node testing positive

    3mpire,

    I would find it hard to believe that a cell was sitting there over 20 years. However, I am not a doctor or scientist. I would follow the recommendations of your medical team. You have a great track record..........here's wishing you another long run.

    S

  • 3mpire
    3mpire Member Posts: 10
    #10
    Options
    Engelsa said:

    Lymph node testing positive

    3mpire,

    I would find it hard to believe that a cell was sitting there over 20 years. However, I am not a doctor or scientist. I would follow the recommendations of your medical team. You have a great track record..........here's wishing you another long run.

    S

    That is what I am thinking,

    That is what I am thinking, too good to be true, But the MRI did not show anything, this is what I find odd.

Discussion Boards