Mouth Ulcers to Cancer: A Woman's Harrowing Ordeal

Margot Blair, a 62-year-old woman from Dumfries, initially dismissed her recurring mouth ulcers as a common ailment. However, by May 2025, the symptoms escalated, including severe tongue swelling and intense pain radiating through her jaw and head. Dental examination eventually led to tests revealing squamous cell carcinoma, a form of tongue cancer.

Following the diagnosis, Ms. Blair underwent extensive treatment, including two surgeries to remove cancerous lymph nodes and tumors from her tongue. This resulted in a significant scar on her neck, persistent speech difficulties, and a dramatically altered sense of taste, rendering sweet foods vile and ice cream tasting like butter.

Further treatment involved six weeks of targeted radiotherapy in Glasgow. This intensive process caused a 10kg weight loss and significant challenges with swallowing and eating. Four weeks post-radiotherapy, Ms. Blair reported partial recovery of her mouth function and taste, and has begun retraining to regain lost muscle.

Ms. Blair aims to raise awareness about the easily dismissible symptoms of mouth cancer, like prolonged ulcers. She highlights that many people, including herself, are unaware of oral cancer's subtle signs and the importance of seeking medical advice for persistent oral issues.