Proton therapy saved my ability to taste during treatment for tongue cancer
For Carlos Morera, the only symptom of oral cancer was a small lump beneath his jaw when shaving.
With a history of cancer, he knew that a swollen lymph node or a painless lump in the neck was among the most common symptoms of oral cancer.
“My first reaction was fear,” says Carlos. “I had undergone surgery for thyroid cancer the year before and was told the cancer was gone.”
His ENT told him not to worry but recommended...

Tongue cancer survivor thriving after minimally invasive surgery
After Tim Turner began feeling pain in his jaw, doctors discovered an ulcer underneath his tongue. A CT scan and biopsy in early 2023 confirmed...
Oral cancer survivor: 5 quality of life hacks that I didn’t learn until survivorship
When I was still in active treatment for stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, a type of oral cancer, I was so focused on staying...
Triathlete: Tongue cancer treatment was my race course
I ran my first triathlon in the summer of 2015. Even with the 100-degree Texas heat, I fell in love with the sport. I started training several hours a day and eating a healthy diet. Swimming, running and cycling gave me a way to challenge myself and develop a healthy mindset about my food choices.
This also helped me overcome cancer of the base of tongue a few years later.
In the summer of 2021, I had a sore throat when...

Tracheostomy care for cancer patients and caregivers
Living with a tracheostomy and learning proper tracheostomy care can take some adjustment for cancer patients who rely on them during cancer...
4 myths about oral cancer symptoms
As director of MD Anderson’s Oral Cancer Prevention Clinic, I see many patients each year with both oral cancers and pre-cancerous conditions...
Tongue cancer survivor: Coming to MD Anderson saved my life
In January 2020, I noticed a changing spot under my tongue. My family doctor advised that I get it biopsied. The results came back negative...
Dysphagia in cancer patients: What to know
The ability to swallow — or to eat and drink what you enjoy most without choking or coughing — is something that many of us take for granted...
Tongue cancer teaches patient and caregiver the art of reinvention
Singer and songwriter Kimmie Rhodes holds a somewhat unique distinction: she’s supported two different people on their oral cancer journeys...
Tongue cancer survivor uses voice to support cancer research
When Cora “Corky” Hilliard was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the tongue for the second time in June 2012, she got to MD Anderson...