A MAN says biting down on his tongue while sneezing saved his life – after it lead to the discovery that he had cancer.
Dan Durant, 26, first noticed an ulcer on the right side of his tongue in summer last year but didn’t think anything of it.
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But when Dan accidentally bit his tongue while sneezing “really hard”, the lump became inflamed and he went to the doctor.
He was shocked when he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma – a type of cancer – and told it was aggressive and he needed to have surgery to remove the tumour.
In the 11-hour operation, doctors removed 50 per cent of Dan’s tongue to cut out the two tumours they found and reconstructed it using skin from his left forearm.
They also dissected his neck to check the cancer hadn’t spread to his lymph nodes.
Read more on mouth cancer
Dan is currently waiting for the results from the biopsy, which will confirm if he needs to have any following treatment.
Dan, who was working as a supervisor at a bar, from Stafford, Staffordshire, said: “I sneezed really hard and ended up biting my tongue.
“It went really inflamed.
“I was directed to Stoke Hospital and told it was cancer and it was aggressive.
“I had around 50 per cent of my tongue removed and reconstructed.
“The nurse said ‘you were lucky you bit your tongue’.”
Dan often got ulcers so didn’t think anything of the lump on his tongue when he first spotted it in August 2023.
He treated it with Bonjela and stopped noticing it. He also lost a lot of weight and often had a sore throat but didn’t realise it was anything to be worried about.
Dan said: “It was a grey, whitish patch. It was the size of a one pence coin.
“I didn’t think of it after that.
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“Mostly it just felt like it wasn’t there.”
But Dan started to notice the ulcer again in April 2024 and it became inflamed in August when he accidentally bit down on it.
He went to see his doctor who was suspicious it was cancerous and redirected him to Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent.
Dan’s cancer diagnosis was confirmed a week later on August 21, 2024.
He said: “I didn’t quite believe it could be cancer.
“Being told it was upsetting. I did have a cry.
“It was so surreal.”
GRUELLING OP
Dan was told the cancer was aggressive and they needed to get him into surgery soon to remove the tumour.
On September 12, 2024 Dan had the 11-and-a-half hour operation.
Doctors had planned to do a partial removal of his tongue but had to remove 50 per cent when they found a second tumour.
At the same time the took a lymph node from his neck to do a biopsy – to confirm the cancer had not spread.
Signs of disease in the mouth
BAD breath and mouth ulcers are common occurrences.
But they may signal an underlying health problem, too.
Dr Rahul Nehra, Lead Dentist at The Smile Gallery, warns of the symptoms in your mouth that should never be ignored.
BLEEDING GUMS
PERSISTENT bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, can indicate gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
This is often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation and potential tissue damage.
It’s essential to address bleeding gums promptly to prevent further complications like gum recession and tooth loss.
For bleeding gums, proper oral hygiene is crucial, along with professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
BAD BREATH
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be a sign of various dental issues, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease or cavities.
But it could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes or gastrointestinal issues.
Dental check-ups can help identify and address the root cause of bad breath, such as gum disease.
Improving bad breath typically involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
LUMPS AND SORES
WHILE occasional mouth sores are common and often harmless, persistent lumps or sores that don’t heal within two weeks could be signs of more serious conditions such as oral cancer.
Other concerning signs include white or red patches, numbness, or difficulty moving the jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist or doctor for further evaluation is crucial.
Sores in the mouth may benefit from topical treatments or medications prescribed by a dentist or doctor, while monitoring for any signs of infection or malignancy.
WOBBLY TEETH
LOOSE teeth can indicate advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
Without prompt intervention, this can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Seeking dental care as soon as possible can help preserve remaining teeth, possibly through procedures like scaling and root planing or dental restorations.
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
DIFFICULTY swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by various factors, including oral infections, inflamed tonsils, or even more severe issues like throat cancer.
If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in your throat, it’s essential to seek medical or dental attention promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
CROAKY VOICE
A CROAKY or hoarse voice can result from various conditions affecting the throat or vocal cords, including acid reflux, respiratory infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps.
In some cases, poor oral hygiene or throat irritation can also contribute to voice changes.
If you experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Addressing a croaky voice may involve lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke or excessive vocal strain.
He said: “They took skin from my forearm for my tongue and then the skin from my stomach to replace skin on my arm.
“They also used my the arteries from my forearm and put them into my tongue so there was a blood flow.”
Dan then spent eight days in hospital – to ensure there were no problems following the reconstruction and so he could get used to eating and drinking again.
‘LIFE-CHANGING’
The 26-year-old is now on a soft food diet and is waiting for his results from the biopsy on his lymph node.
Dan said: “Learning to swallow properly was quite difficult.
“I’m just getting used to chewing.
“My jaw aches a lot. It’s a lot of relearning things.
“If there is little to no cancer cells left I will just be one round of radiotherapy.”
Signs of mouth cancer
Symptoms of mouth cancer:
- ulcers that don’t heal
- pain in your mouth
- red or white patches in your mouth or throat
- a persistent sore throat
- having pain or difficulty swallowing
- speech problems
- a lump in your neck
- weight loss
- bad breath
If you have any of these symptoms you must get them checked by your GP or dentist.
But remember, they can all be caused by other conditions.
Most people with these symptoms don’t have mouth and oropharyngeal cancer.
Source: Cancer Research UK
Dan was about to start a new job when he got his diagnosis and is now unable to work.
As well as raising awareness, Dan has set up a fundraiser to help fund his living costs for the next few months and will donate any remaining money to cancer research.
He said his family and friends have been a “wonderful supportive network”.
Dan said: “Everything is normal and then all of a sudden it is not.
“It’s a life-changing thing.”
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