A mother who noticed a peculiar patch resembling a spider web on her tongue eventually had to undergo surgery to remove half of it, following years of misdiagnosis by doctors. Sharon Moreby, aged 54 and from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, first observed the mark while brushing her teeth two decades ago. Initially dismissing it, she grew concerned after reading about similar symptoms in a newspaper. Despite undergoing multiple biopsies and laser treatments on her tongue, medical professionals assured her that everything was normal.
Over the years leading up to her diagnosis, Sharon received various explanations, including attributing the issue to biting her tongue or menopause. However, additional symptoms such as earache, jaw pain, swallowing difficulties, and a new lump on her neck emerged. A final biopsy in August 2023 revealed the true nature of her condition.
Following this confirmation, Sharon underwent a lengthy surgery lasting nine and a half hours to remove the left side of her tongue, along with subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to the cancer spreading to her lymph nodes. Recalling her experience, she mentioned, “I had noticed a small white patch on my tongue that resembled a spider web while brushing my teeth. Initially, I didn’t think much of it.” Despite numerous biopsies and treatments, the issue persisted, eventually leading to the cancer diagnosis.
Despite ongoing deterioration of symptoms over a decade, medical professionals allegedly disregarded Sharon’s concerns. She expressed frustration, stating, “When it recurred, I experienced intense pain, earache, jaw discomfort, and a neck lump.” Despite seeking medical advice, her worries were dismissed as biopsy-related pain and menopause symptoms. Only after consulting her dental hygienist and undergoing another biopsy did she receive the tongue cancer diagnosis.
Following the diagnosis, Sharon underwent a neck dissection to remove the cancer and underwent tongue reconstruction using tissue from her arm. She is currently in remission but feels disappointed by the medical community’s delayed diagnosis after years of advocating for herself.
Reflecting on her journey, Sharon remarked, “I am puzzled as to why all my biopsies initially came back negative. If I had waited longer, I might not have survived. I feel let down and urge others to trust their instincts and persist with doctors when faced with health concerns.”