'Never ignore dental appointments'- NI woman's warning after dentist spotted rare cancer

A Northern Ireland woman is encouraging others to visit their dentist regularly after her dentist’s vigilance led to her diagnosis of oral cancer back in 2022.

Etain Fitzpatrick, 55 and from Co Down, was diagnosed with the disease in September last year after a persistent ulcer appeared on her tongue which wouldn't heal. Her experience has shown her just how critical routine dental visits can be for catching oral health issues early.

The journey for Etain began early in 2021 when her dentist found white spots underneath her tongue during a routine dental examination. She had been referred to the Ulster Hospital for further investigation; the biopsy at that stage showed nothing concerning, and she was advised to watch for changes.

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Over a year later, in August 2022, an ulcer appeared on the side of her tongue and was painful. “I was using an over-the-counter gel and I ended up going to the chemist to see if I could get something a little bit stronger as the ulcer was so painful as it was catching on my teeth,” she said.

Her dentist immediately referred her as a red-flag patient to the Ulster Hospital. "Within five weeks, I had an appointment and had a biopsy of the ulcer undertaken. During the five-week wait, the ulcer got really aggressive and painful to the extent that I could hardly eat.” Etain explained. "I started to lose weight, only able to eat yogurts and soft fruit.”

The Downpatrick woman explained that she had a feeling following the biopsy that she was not going to be receiving good news and once the results came back, “[she] was told that cancer had been detected.”

She underwent a 10-hour surgery at the Ulster Hospital where 25% of her tongue was removed and reconstructed with grafts from her thigh and arm. "The surgery was extensive and everything was explained to me beforehand, how my speech could be severely impacted and that I could have problems moving my neck," she says. After 10 days in the hospital, Etain went home to begin the recovery process-and anxiously await the pathology report.

When the results came through all clear of cancer, Etain described that she felt blessed and was overcome with emotion, "When the Consultant contacted me to tell me that I was now cancer-free, I was in tears, I couldn’t believe it. He said I had a good margin and no further treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy was required.”

Etain, who conquered breast cancer 18 years ago, is now passionate about creating awareness of oral cancer. "Never ignore dental appointments," she implored. “I never miss a dental appointment and it was my Dentist who identified the cancer. It was never a cancer that crossed my mind.”

Consultant Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeon Mr John Hanratty from the Ulster Hospital explained the signs and symptoms to watch for, “Mouth cancer can present in different ways, it could be an ulcer that has been present for more than 3 weeks, a white or red patch in the mouth that is giving symptoms of pain, or a lump or swelling in the mouth, oral cavity or neck area.”

If you notice any of these signs, he asks that you see your dentist or GP immediately. Early detection and treatment can dramatically improve outcomes.

Mr. Hanratty identified lifestyle factors that increase the risk of oral cancer, “Evidence also shows that oral cancer is more prevalent with social deprivation, poor diet, increased alcohol consumption and smoking.”

But ultimately, he emphasised that the key to tackling the disease remains early diagnosis as, “unfortunately only 20% of people will present with an early stage cancer. The majority about 45% will present with a cancer that is large or has spread elsewhere and this gives the cancer a greater stage and poorer outcome for patients.”

Now fully recovered, Etain has embraced physical activity as a way to aid her recovery, drawing strength from her love of hiking in the beautiful landscapes of Co Down.

“The morning after my operation, two Physiotherapists came to get me up and out of bed! Well, I was up and about making tracks on the corridors of the ward! I wanted to be active and get out of hospital getting back to doing the things I love… Physical activity definitely helped me on my road to recovery both mentally and physically.”

Etain's also back to enjoying her favourite foods: "I now feel I am back to my normal self! I am doing all the things that I have been doing before I took ill. Eating, I can tackle anything now, be it a curry or a steak, life is back to normal for me!”

Reflecting on her journey, Etain expressed deep gratitude to the team at the Ulster Hospital. "I cannot thank the Oral and Maxillo-Facial Team at the Ulster Hospital enough, they are my heroes and my angels.”

For a more in-depth look at Etain's experience and recovery, watch her full story on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNqonQbdfPY&feature=youtu.be

If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth or any symptoms that don't improve, see your dentist for a check-up, or contact your GP. It could save your life.

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