Tongue Cancer Journey:
Ken’s tongue cancer journey began in 2016 with a stage 4 tongue cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) diagnosis. Initial symptoms were mild pain mistaken for a canker sore, progressing unnoticed. A comprehensive hospital exam revealed the truth, leading to intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy. Supported by family, Ken faced taste disorders and workplace challenges but found hope through yoga and a new outlook on life. This article details Ken’s diagnosis, treatment, physical and mental struggles, and life transformation, alongside medical insights into tongue cancer and related products.
Tongue Cancer Journey: Discovering Authenticity and New Dreams:
Ken’s tongue cancer journey is not just a battle with illness but a story of rediscovering authenticity and redefining life’s purpose. In spring 2016, he noticed mild pain and discomfort on the right side of his tongue, mistaken for a canker sore. Dental treatments like Kenalog and laser therapy failed to help, and by summer, slurred speech during work calls signaled a serious issue. Diagnosed with stage 4 tongue squamous cell carcinoma, Ken described the moment as being “dropped into an abyss.” Yet, this crisis sparked a transformation in his perspective.
During treatment, Ken was uplifted by the heartfelt support of family and medical staff. A poignant moment came when he clashed with his parents’ wish for tongue resection. Determined to preserve his tongue, Ken scribbled in a notebook, “I absolutely won’t cut it,” a decision that marked his commitment to staying true to himself.
Post-treatment, taste disorders became a significant challenge, with Ken describing the sensation as “taste being distant” or “blurred.” The condition fluctuated daily, making meals unpredictable, yet he found joy in simple flavors like McDonald’s fries or Vietnamese khao man gai. This resilience reflects his ability to adapt and find new sources of happiness.
Mentally, returning to work was tougher than hospitalization. Surrounded by seemingly carefree colleagues, Ken struggled with feelings of inferiority. Through yoga and self-help books, he found solace, realizing that “the illness was a chance to rethink my self-destructive lifestyle.” Yoga brought balance, and a new mantra emerged: “Act on what you want without delay.”
Ken’s journey taught him to “live lightly and cherish himself.” Once bogged down by overthinking work or weighing pros and cons, he now embraces a freer approach, acting on impulses. New friendships forged through his illness, including supporters at events, are what he calls a “cancer gift”—a treasure gained through adversity. His dream is to deepen this “lighter living” and inspire others with hope.
Ken’s Empowering and Uplifting Quotes:
“There’s a reborn self beyond despair”: “I want people to keep the tiny light in their hearts alive and fight through their illness.”
“Illness is a chance to rethink life”: “I realized I was pushing myself too hard. I believe a new world awaits.”
“Do what you want right away”: “Acting on your feelings without delay is what matters.”
“Battling taste disorders”: “Even with fluctuating taste, I want to find joy in simple foods.”
“Family and friends are treasures”: “The people who support me are my greatest asset.”
(がんノート)
Diagnosis and Treatment Details:
Diagnosis Process
Initial Symptoms (Spring 2016): Mild pain and discomfort on the right tongue, mistaken for a canker sore.
Dental Visits: Kenalog and laser treatments ineffective; diagnosed as a canker sore.
Worsening Symptoms (Summer 2016): Slurred speech affected work calls.
Comprehensive Hospital Exams (August–September 2016):
CT scan detected abnormalities.
Oral surgery initially suggested a canker sore, but ENT evaluation with palpation and CT raised tongue cancer suspicion.
ENT noted: “You can’t move your tongue to the right,” a symptom Ken then recognized.
Biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (stage 4).
Emotional Impact: Alone at the hospital, Ken felt “dropped into an abyss” but held onto cautious optimism.
Treatment Details
Duration: October–December 2016 (8 weeks, inpatient)
Method: Intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy (insurance-covered)
Intra-arterial Chemotherapy: High-dose anticancer drugs targeted tongue and lymph nodes via a catheter inserted from the temple to the tongue artery. Administered weekly, with water pumped to prevent clogging.
Radiotherapy: 2 Gy per session, 33 sessions (5 consecutive days weekly). Used IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) to minimize salivary gland damage.
Treatment Progress:
Pre-treatment: Tumor pain prevented speech; Ken relied on written communication. Experienced oral bleeding.
One month into treatment: Tumor shrank, enabling phone conversations.
Side Effects: Taste disorders, mild nausea; no severe distress.
Outcome: Avoided tongue resection, retaining his tongue. Currently under observation.
Medical Explanation of Tongue Cancer
Tongue cancer is a malignant tumor in the oral cavity, typically squamous cell carcinoma, affecting the tongue’s surface or sides. Ken was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Below is a detailed explanation.
Tongue Cancer Overview
Location: Tongue edges, surface, or underside. Ken’s cancer was on the right side.
Causes:
Smoking or excessive alcohol
Poor oral hygiene
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Chronic irritation (e.g., sharp teeth or dentures)
Symptoms:
Tongue pain or stinging (Ken’s early symptom)
White/red patches, ulcers, or lumps
Slurred speech, swallowing difficulty (Ken’s later symptom)
Staging:
Stage 4: Large tumor with lymph node or distant metastasis. Ken’s cancer was advanced but visually subtle.
Diagnosis:
Palpation, CT/MRI, biopsy. Ken’s diagnosis involved ENT palpation, CT, and biopsy confirmation.
Treatments:
Surgery (partial or total tongue resection)
Radiotherapy (e.g., IMRT)
Chemotherapy. Ken underwent intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy.
Side Effects:
Taste disorders (Ken’s primary issue)
Reduced saliva, speech difficulties, neck stiffness.
References
Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: Provides tongue cancer diagnosis and treatment guidelines. Referenced for staging and treatment details. URL: https://www.jsoms.or.jp/
National Cancer Center Japan: Referenced for tongue cancer symptoms, causes, and statistics. URL: https://www.ncc.go.jp/jp/
American Cancer Society: Used for global treatment trends and side effect insights. URL: https://www.cancer.org/