My father is 5 months post-chemoradiation for right buccal mucosa SCC (surgery Aug 2025, 66 Gy radiation, chemo-RT completed Nov 2025). Clean PET-CT on Jan 31, 2026.
Current issue:
- Mid-April: noticed small amount of blood in spit (thought it was from jaw exercises)
- Last 2 days: bleeding frequency increased, brighter red
- Surgeon found today: exposed mandibular bone on right side (2nd-3rd molar region, lingual/tongue side) with ulcer that bleeds on touch
- Doctor said increased bleeding may be related to cholesterol medication he's on
Surgeon's recommendation: X-ray and biopsy in 5 days
My father has complained of something "weird" at base of tongue since surgery. We think it might have been a bone fragment/spicule that finally irritated the tissue enough to create this ulcer
We spoke to someone whose father had a very very similar case. Their surgeon advised observation only; no biopsy needed
My questions:
- Has anyone experienced exposed mandibular bone post-radiation?
- Did it heal conservatively (just observation) or did you need intervention?
- How long did healing take?
- Any management tips while healing?
Am very very afaird of the disease coming back
u/IhaveGotAJarOfDirt — 13 days ago