» Genes and schizophrenia

» LA bans fast foods

» Losing the war against Aids?

» McCain free of cancer

» Facts of breast cancer

» Ritalin may help elderly

» Bullied at work?

» Keep running this summer

» Get ready for summer!

» Could your mobile kill you?

Today, 22 November 2008

» Dead terrorist ad banned

» Grass is greener in SA

» Yengeni 'coverup ordered'

» Copper Penny Salad

» The world is flat

Yesterday, 21 November 2008

» SA gets tough on Zim

» Chicken satay dog?

» 'Springbok emblem must go'

» Week in Quotes

» Cope gets Simon Grindrod

Mary: I want to know about mouth ulcers. I am 80 and I have an ulcer on the left hand side of my tongue. I’ve had it for several weeks now. My GP treated it for a while and then I went to a surgeon and he’s been treating it now for several weeks.

Prof Harry: A sub-acute or a chronic ulcer anywhere in the mouth, but particularly on the tongue, usually is in the province of the surgeon.

Mary: He did a biopsy.

Prof Harry: That’s very important.

Mary: The biopsy was benign. Then he took a little piece out and it was a bit swollen and he said just wait until the stitches have dissolved. But then after a couple of weeks it came back. And then I had an infection and it worries me.

Prof Harry: Having established that it is a benign ulcer did he tell you what the possible cause was?

Mary: Yes, it was a fungus.

Prof Harry: A fungus has to be confirmed by a laboratory examination. Did he treat you for the fungus?

Mary: Yes, he gave me anti-biotics and an ointment. It worked to a certain extent but it is still there and I am getting so worried I am getting myself into a state.

Prof Harry: Is it improving?

Mary: Slightly, yes.

Prof Harry: Perhaps you should then give it a bit of time. Don’t be too impatient. I think it would be reasonable to wait another week or two. Is this not related to dentures?

Mary: No, I’ve got my own teeth.

Prof Harry: Marvellous. Congratulations.