Hello lovely ladiesI had my 3rd AC chemo today. Yesterday, I noticed my gumline (lower jaw mouth) has turned blackish. Similar to what I have seen where some ladies may have their nail beds turning blackish but it’s happening to my gumline.Informed my oncologist when I saw him this morning. He says he rarely seen these and doesn’t know exactly what cause it and has no solution or suggestions. When I was having my chemo, the nurse tells me she has seen some patients whose tongue has black spots… it’s not often but she has seen it.just wondering if anyone else had experience this and what they did?XXGin

Thank you @Afraser. I just happened to check Peter Mac website and they have a dental oncology section. I’ll ask my GP to write me a referral….. if the wait is too long, I’ll just find any available dentist.I have been diligently swishing with Biotene after every main meals…. I suspect it’s temporary just like blackish nail beds but like you say best to have it check.xxGin

That's a bummer @GinGin - I hope you get answers soon - yep - it's definitely best to get checked out as soon as possible. I hope there is no pain or discomfort. xxtake care & wishing you all the best xx

Hi @GinGin I’d be seeing your dentist! It’s not your oncologist’s field of expertise and if it’s rare, it may not be your dentist’s, but worth a shot. Did you have your teeth checked before chemo? If not, all the better reason for a visit now. Best wishes.

Hi @Afraser, that’s a good question!I asked my oncologist nurse (before I started chemo) if it was necessary to see a dentist as I couldn’t find any available dental appointments before my first chemo, and she said not required if I don’t have any dental problems- which I don’t…Will any dentist do or should I be looking around for a dentist who has experience with BC patients?

No, any dentist will be fine, just let them know you are having chemo. I was lucky, I did my swish and spit with saline and had nomouth problems, my dentist said that apart from more bubbly saliva, they would never have known. Chances are it’s temporary but best to check.

Blackish gumline (supporting the tooth).

GinGin
Member
2 years ago
Thanks Helen! I’ve booked my dental 😘
HelenlovesSnoop
Member
2 years ago
I also asked my bc nurse yesterday, @GinGin, but she didn’t add any new info - just it could be a rare version of the hyperpigmentation (tongue) thing but also see the dentist to be sure 😊💕
GinGin
Member
2 years ago
Thank very very much, Helen! 🤗
I googled and couldn’t find anything! You guys have much better skills than me😘
HelenlovesSnoop
Member
2 years ago
Hi @GinGin ,

I googled (knowing we’re not supposed to) but found this article which discusses a case of ‘hyperpigmentation’ of the tongue as an unusual and temporary side effect, and mentions it in relation to ‘oral hyperpigmentation’ due to increased melanin production.

Could be related - maybe you can show it to your oncologist or dentist.

‘Oral hyperpigmentation is an infrequent phenomenon reported in the literature as a side effect that may be seen with the administration of certain chemotherapy agents such as doxorubicin.’

the article is here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666621922000114

Big hugs from Helen
arpie
Member
2 years ago
Yeah - it is a tricky situation .... when my husband was having his chemo, we called it 'the good poison' ...

I hope your Onc is researching it on your behalf xx
Take care xx
GinGin
Member
2 years ago
hi @arpie,
thank you for writing to me. There’s no pain or discomfort. It simply looks very scary.😅
And that’s when one begin to question is chemo worth it🤣 during the treatment journey with the side effects !
arpie
Member
2 years ago
That's a bummer @GinGin - I hope you get answers soon - yep - it's definitely best to get checked out as soon as possible. I hope there is no pain or discomfort. xx

take care & wishing you all the best xx
Afraser
Member
2 years ago
Good stuff, I am sure you will
be fine.
GinGin
Member
2 years ago
Thank you @Afraser. I just happened to check Peter Mac website and they have a dental oncology section. I’ll ask my GP to write me a referral….. if the wait is too long, I’ll just find any available dentist.

I have been diligently swishing with Biotene after every main meals…. I suspect it’s temporary just like blackish nail beds but like you say best to have it check.

xx
Gin
Afraser
Member
2 years ago
No, any dentist will be fine, just let them know you are having chemo. I was lucky, I did my swish and spit with saline and had no
mouth problems, my dentist said that apart from more bubbly saliva, they would never have known. Chances are it’s temporary but best to check.