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Is anyone experiencing osteoradionecrosis (ORN)?

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Sep 16 6:20am | Replies (37)

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I had a right segment of the lateral mandible removed due to stage 4a cancer. The left fibula was used to reconstruct the mandible and a free flap placed. I underwent 30 rounds of radiation. Four years later, a second superficial cancer was found on the floor of the mouth near the back of the tongue. I had a partial glossectomy and resurfacing of the floor of my mouth with blood vessels and and free flap from my left arm. within several weeks, it became obvious that osteoradionecracy had been stimulated, which resulted in one plate's screws coming out through my cheek and my lower jaw dropping a bit and moving to the right. I insisted on a PEG tube so I could take in enough calories, then agitated to get corrective measures done. Physicians checked to assure no cancer had recurred. The is being planned, hopefully for this fall. It is at a cancer center.

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Replies to "I had a right segment of the lateral mandible removed due to stage 4a cancer. The..."

That explains it well. Some of us just get beaten so badly from cancer it seems so unfair. For me I get my mandible checked yearly and so far so good. I do know of cases where the blood supply to the tissue has failed, which resulted in likely what you are going through. I wish you well and pray all works out this fall. Sorry that you have to go through yet another battle.