Margot Blair, a 62-year-old resident of Dumfries, was diagnosed with tongue cancer earlier this year after suffering from persistent mouth ulcers and severe pain. Initially, she experienced recurring ulcers, which led to a swollen tongue and escalating discomfort radiating from her jaw to her head. By July 2023, her pain had intensified to the point where she sought help from a private consultant, who quickly identified the issue as squamous cell carcinoma.
Margot’s health challenges began in 2022 when she first observed white lesions on her tongue. Although a biopsy at that time did not raise immediate concern, her condition worsened over the following year. By May 2023, she was experiencing significant swelling and pain. “By July, it was an emergency because I was in so much pain,” Margot stated in an interview with BBC Scotland News.
After consulting her dentist, Margot sought an appointment with a private oral maxillofacial consultant. “When I went to see him, without biopsy, he took one look and diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma,” she explained. Following this diagnosis, she underwent a series of tests at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, including MRI scans, CT scans, and biopsies.
The initial surgery to remove the cancer and affected lymph nodes was performed at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Unfortunately, the pathology report revealed that the cancer had metastasized, necessitating a second surgery to remove more lymph nodes and additional cancerous tissue from her tongue. This surgery has left Margot with a five-inch scar on her neck, and she now faces challenges with her taste and speech.
“My tongue feels salty all the time. I have a foul taste in my mouth, and even water tastes strange,” Margot described. The side effects of her treatment have led to significant weight loss due to difficulties in eating and swallowing. “It is not something that comes naturally anymore,” she noted.
Currently, Margot is undergoing six weeks of intensive, targeted radiotherapy at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow. Despite her initial reluctance to pursue this treatment, she recognizes its necessity for improving her chances of survival. “When I was first diagnosed, the cancer was a stage one. Then it was stage two, and now stage three. Your survival rates reduce dramatically. It went from 90% for surviving more than five years to about 40%-45%,” she explained.
In preparation for her radiotherapy, Margot had to have four molars extracted. “The reason being that down the line, if you need extractions, it can be quite dangerous because of the effects of radiotherapy on your bone, which can cause a lot of other complications,” she said. Her medical team has warned her that feeding tubes may be necessary if her weight continues to decline during treatment.
Head and neck cancers account for only 4% of all cancer diagnoses, according to Public Health Scotland. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes. Margot, a non-smoker who maintains an active lifestyle by going to the gym five times a week and drinking minimal alcohol, aims to use her experience to raise awareness about the symptoms of mouth cancer.
She actively shares her journey on social media, hoping to demystify the treatments and procedures involved. “If you have something in your mouth like an ulcer for two weeks, three weeks at a maximum, you must seek professional help,” she urged.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals when experiencing persistent symptoms. Cancer Research UK Health Information Manager, Sophie Brooks, added, “In the UK, both dentists and GPs can refer you for further tests if needed, so you can choose the option that works best for you.”
Margot’s story serves as a critical reminder of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in combating oral cancers. Individuals experiencing unusual symptoms should not hesitate to seek medical advice, as early detection can significantly improve treatment success. For those affected by cancer, resources and support can be found through various organizations, as highlighted by BBC Action Line.
