Tony's Annual ENT Checkup with Dr. Monroe

Yesterday was Tony's annual ENT checkup with Dr. Monroe at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Not all patients who receive radiation have long-term difficulties. Tony, unfortunately, suffers with osteoradionecrosis.

In plain terms, it's bone damage and loss caused by radiation therapy, where the irradiated bone has reduced blood supply, impaired healing, and can gradually weaken or break down over time.

Tony has now lost all his teeth on the bottom left mandible. Some of the bone is exposed. He still has an opening under his chin, but there has been some healing. There used to be a through-and-through from behind his lower front teeth, and he could take a drink of water and make it come out under his chin. 🥸 The pathway behind his lower front teeth has healed, but the original pathway from the abscess he experienced after the glossectomy (tongue removal) surgery in 2017 remains. Tony continues to pack the wound and cover it with a band-aid night and morning. Fortunately, there is rarely any drainage.

Dr. Monroe was pleased with what he observed clinically. He was very complimentary of the effort Tony takes with his oral care. He will review the PET scan that was done at the VA earlier this month. If he has any concerns, he will let us know. If not, we will see him again this time next year.

Tony isn't currently a candidate for dental implants. If he ever has to have the mandible replacement surgery, the Huntsman now has a specialized dental team that will work concurrently with the surgical team. The dental team is a new development in the last couple of years. Dr. Monroe says the Huntsman is the only place with this combined medical specialty. We are so grateful to be blessed with access to this hospital and these amazingly talented providers.