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At the beginning, it was only a nose ill, of the sinusitis type that we all know. A temporary, temporary pain, like those accompanying winter colds. This is at least what we had assured in William Brogan, a 47 -year -old Scottish when he had consulted. His general practitioner then prescribed antibiotics, thinking of a current infection of the sinus. Lymphoma, cancer of the lymphatic system.
A diagnostic wandering fraught with consequences
For almost a year, doctors tried to relieve his nasal pain with antibiotic treatments. But the situation would get worse. It took more than twelve months for a biopsy carried out. The diagnosis fell in January: non -Hodgkin’s lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer.
But the answer falls too late for William: cancer had spread to his mouth. An area that had to be operated and removing leaving man except, but disfigured.
“They could have detected this nine months earlier”he deplores. “I told them for months that it was more than that. We know his body. Now I have a hole in the face and a triangle where they removed part of my nose.”
The fifth most common cancer
Non -Hodgkin’s lymphomas are today the fifth cancer in terms of frequency. Their incidence increases each year, a trend that specialists attribute in particular to the aging of the population, age being a major risk factor. But the disease can also strike younger people, including children and adolescents.
The exact causes are often unknown, but certain risk factors are clearly identified: family history, in particular in the case of diffuse B cells B, viral infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus (responsible for mononucleosis), or professional exhibitions to toxic products (solvents, ink, pesticides). An Inserm study has notably highlighted the increased risks among professionals in the agricultural world.
Deceptive and varied symptoms
Unfortunately, non -Hodgkin’s lymphoma often manifests itself insidiously. It can cause painless lymph nodes in the neck, the folds of the groin or the armpits. Depending on their location, other signs may appear: heavy legs, respiratory discomfort, face edema, persistent dry cough, abdominal discomfort, back pain, bloating. To this are added more general symptoms: prolonged fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itching or chronic fatigue.
In the case of William Brogan, cancer developed in the nasal lymphatic system, before winning the mouth. A rare location, but not impossible.
The diagnosis of lymphoma requires a battery of exams: blood tests, biopsies, medical imaging … Its treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, and takes place in specialized centers. It can associate chemotherapy, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplants, or monoclonal antibodies. Today, immunochemotherapy represents the reference treatment.
Long and painful reconstruction in addition to treatment
To overcome his cancer, William, he suffered a 20 -hour operation to remove the tumor, including the complete removal of his nose and the upper gums. A fabric transplant, taken under his arm, was attempted to rebuild her mouth, but she failed. Two new surgical interventions were necessary, including a successful 12 -hour transplant to rebuild the gum.
Today, he follows radiotherapy to eradicate the remaining cancer cells, waiting for a next step: the reconstruction of his nose.
“I hope to have a skin transplant to try to rebuild my face in the year. They took a photo of me before the operation to be able to make a nose of the right color and good shape”he explains.
Despite the test, he remains grateful: “I can never thank the surgeons enough. They saved my life. “
A physical, but also mental battle
But brutal physical transformation has left psychological consequences. William takes drug treatment today to help him overcome his anxiety.
“This is what gives me the courage to go out. When people say:” There is this man with a hole in the face “
He hopes that his testimony will sensitize the importance of listening to patients and not trivializing symptoms that persist. Because behind a recalcitrant sinusitis can sometimes hide much more than a simple virus.